Watch The Science of Happiness

The movie The Science of Happiness is a documentary film that focuses on exploring what truly brings happiness and joy to human beings. The film takes a closer look at why certain activities, experiences, and relationships are more fulfilling and meaningful than others. It also probes into the biology and chemistry behind happiness and how it affects our overall health and well-being.

The movie is directed by French filmmaker and TED speaker Julien Peron, who interviews leading experts in psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality, as well as everyday people from different backgrounds and cultures to get an insight into their understandings of happiness. The film presents a fascinating and refreshing perspective on the topic of happiness, going beyond the conventional wisdom and self-help approaches.

Throughout the movie, Peron illustrates how happiness is a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses both pleasure and meaning, and how it can be cultivated through various practices and habits. He delves into different aspects of life such as work, relationships, and leisure, and explores how they influence our happiness levels. The film argues that as a society, we have been conditioned to prioritize external factors such as money, status, and material possessions as the sources of happiness, which often promotes a culture of stress, anxiety, and discontentment.

The movie begins by introducing the concept of happiness and why it is important to study it. The filmmakers talk about how happiness has been a topic of interest throughout history, with philosophers, theologians, and scientists all attempting to define what happiness is and how it can be obtained. Peron then proceeds to explain the two different types of happiness - hedonic happiness and eudaimonic happiness, and how each type involves different elements.

The Science of Happiness then dives deeper into the biological and physiological connections to happiness. The film highlights how the release of specific hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are linked to our feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and social connections. Through interviews with neuroscientists, psychologists, and meditation experts, the movie explores the science behind these hormones and how they can be activated through various activities such as laughter, exercise, and mindfulness practices.

One of the key themes in the movie is the role of relationships in our happiness. The film highlights that social connections are crucial for our well-being and that we are biologically wired to seek out connections with others. It explores the science behind empathy and compassion and how these emotions can create a positive ripple effect on our relationships and communities. The Science of Happiness also highlights the importance of self-compassion, emphasizing that to be happy, we must first learn to be kind and gentle with ourselves.

The movie takes an in-depth look at the concept of flow, which is defined as a state of complete immersion in an activity, where we lose track of time and feel energized and focused. The Science of Happiness argues that flow experiences are essential for our happiness, and that finding activities and passions that we are naturally drawn to can be a significant source of joy and meaning in our lives.

The Science of Happiness concludes by emphasizing that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. It emphasizes the importance of continuous self-reflection and growth, and encourages viewers to embrace the small moments of pleasure and connection in their lives. The film also highlights the role of gratitude in cultivating happiness and encourages viewers to appreciate the good things in their lives.

Overall, The Science of Happiness is an informative and engaging documentary film that provides a fresh perspective on the topic of happiness. It combines science, philosophy, and personal stories to offer insights into what truly brings joy and meaning to our lives. The movie offers practical advice for viewers who want to cultivate happiness in their lives, emphasizing the importance of creating a fulfilling life rather than just chasing external accomplishments.

The Science of Happiness is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.