Why your brain is wired to sabotage your own happiness and how to fix it
In short: Psychologist Bruce Hood explores why our minds naturally fixate on shortcomings and social comparison. This talk introduces seven evidence-based lessons from neuroscience and developmental psychology designed to help you break negative patterns and cultivate genuine well-being through connection rather than self-care.
Our brains often trap us in mental mazes, causing us to overlook positive experiences while focusing on perceived flaws or unfavorable comparisons with others. Bruce Hood argues that the path to happiness requires a fundamental shift in perspective, moving away from the modern obsession with self-care toward a deeper emphasis on human connection.
Drawing on his background in neuroscience and developmental psychology, Hood provides seven practical lessons aimed at rewiring our thinking. By modifying our ego and actively fostering social bonds, we can dismantle the cognitive habits that hinder our joy. This discourse is part of the Royal Institution’s long-standing tradition of sharing cutting-edge scientific insights, a series that has hosted luminaries like Michael Faraday and JJ Thomson since 1825.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The science of happiness - with Bruce Hood
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-the-science-of-happiness-with-bruce-hood.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Psychology · More in Ideas & Philosophy · Latest · A–Z · All topics
