Greater Good

New research reveals how we learn to lie for the benefit of other people.

How did gratitude evolve? Researchers are starting to trace this common human emotion all the way back to primate behavior.

According to a new study, the relationship between happiness and personality is more complex than we thought.

At a time when “empathy” is more controversial than ever, a researcher explains what it is, what it isn’t, and when it fosters kindness and compassion.

Yes, says sociologist Robb Willer—but the effort needs to be respectful and mutual.

A new book explores how writers, philosophers, and everyday people think about pursuing meaning in life.

World poverty continued to decline in 2016, and researchers learned more and more about how to help the poor.

Here are some worthy books from the past year that we were unable to review.

As you set goals for the new year, take a moment to consider your larger life narrative.

According to a new study, reminiscing about certain types of experiences could boost your well-being.

We round up the most-read Greater Good articles from the past year—and our editors pick the best of the rest.

Our team names the most provocative and influential findings published during this past year.

According to a new book on social influence, we might all be a little of both.

A wave of studies in 2016 suggest that masculine ideals can hurt men's physical and mental health. But they also hint at a healthier aspiration for men.

The purchases we make fall into four categories—some of which bring more happiness than others.

Here are the year's most acclaimed, popular, or helpful articles on parenting and child development from Greater Good.

A new book argues that the American pursuit of happiness is leading us in the wrong direction.

The way we educate students doesn't reflect what scientists know about expertise.

We talk with Courtney Martin about building a future that prioritizes social connection and sharing over competition and ownership.

Paul Bloom’s controversial book Against Empathy mixes valid points with misguided critiques.

Our team names the most provocative and influential findings published during this past year.

According to a new study, the relationship between happiness and personality is more complex than we thought.

The purchases we make fall into four categories—some of which bring more happiness than others.

A new book explores how writers, philosophers, and everyday people think about pursuing meaning in life.

As you set goals for the new year, take a moment to consider your larger life narrative.

Greater Good's editors pick this year’s most thought-provoking, important, or useful nonfiction books on the science of a meaningful life.

Anger toward parents is still at the heart of a great deal of therapy. But has this approach gone too far?

New research reveals how we learn to lie for the benefit of other people.

Here are the year's most acclaimed, popular, or helpful articles on parenting and child development from Greater Good.

We round up the most-read Greater Good articles from the past year—and our editors pick the best of the rest.

Here are some worthy books from the past year that we were unable to review.

Need some extra motivation to get happier? Check out the ways that well-being has been linked to good health.

At a time when “empathy” is more controversial than ever, a researcher explains what it is, what it isn’t, and when it fosters kindness and compassion.

A wave of studies in 2016 suggest that masculine ideals can hurt men's physical and mental health. But they also hint at a healthier aspiration for men.

The new Disney film raises tough questions about prejudice for parents and teachers to explore with children.

Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire explore how to develop creativity as a habit and a style of engaging with the world.

We are spending more time indoors and online. But recent studies suggest that nature can help our brains and bodies to stay healthy.

World poverty continued to decline in 2016, and researchers learned more and more about how to help the poor.

It's so hard to be humble. Here are three tips for taming your ego.

According to a new study, reminiscing about certain types of experiences could boost your well-being.

According to a new study, experiencing adversity may contribute to politically polarized attitudes.

New research reveals how we learn to lie for the benefit of other people.

How did gratitude evolve? Researchers are starting to trace this common human emotion all the way back to primate behavior.

According to a new study, the relationship between happiness and personality is more complex than we thought.

At a time when “empathy” is more controversial than ever, a researcher explains what it is, what it isn’t, and when it fosters kindness and compassion.

Yes, says sociologist Robb Willer—but the effort needs to be respectful and mutual.

A new book explores how writers, philosophers, and everyday people think about pursuing meaning in life.

World poverty continued to decline in 2016, and researchers learned more and more about how to help the poor.

Here are some worthy books from the past year that we were unable to review.

As you set goals for the new year, take a moment to consider your larger life narrative.

According to a new study, reminiscing about certain types of experiences could boost your well-being.

We round up the most-read Greater Good articles from the past year—and our editors pick the best of the rest.

Our team names the most provocative and influential findings published during this past year.

According to a new book on social influence, we might all be a little of both.

A wave of studies in 2016 suggest that masculine ideals can hurt men's physical and mental health. But they also hint at a healthier aspiration for men.

The purchases we make fall into four categories—some of which bring more happiness than others.

Here are the year's most acclaimed, popular, or helpful articles on parenting and child development from Greater Good.

A new book argues that the American pursuit of happiness is leading us in the wrong direction.

The way we educate students doesn't reflect what scientists know about expertise.

We talk with Courtney Martin about building a future that prioritizes social connection and sharing over competition and ownership.

You can turn election stress into courage and compassion, says Kelly McGonigal. Here's how.

We are spending more time indoors and online. But recent studies suggest that nature can help our brains and bodies to stay healthy.

Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire explore how to develop creativity as a habit and a style of engaging with the world.

Forgiveness can be incredibly difficult. Robert Enright explains where to start.

Sociologist Arlie Hochschild explains why we need to understand people on the other side of the political divide—and how empathy can be a force for positive change.

The GOP candidate is creating fear and confusion in children, especially kids of color. Here are three suggestions for talking with kids about race and racism in the media.

It's so hard to be humble. Here are three tips for taming your ego.

Researchers are discovering how music affects the brain, helping us to make sense of its real emotional and social power.

Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. The reason why might lie with the idea of “hygge.”

Kristin Neff tackles the misconceptions that stop us from being kinder to ourselves.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

We know in our gut when we’re hearing a good story—and research is starting to explain why.

The new science of bias suggests that we all carry prejudices within ourselves—and we all have the tools to keep them in check.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

We all have a deep-seated drive to feel in control. But taking it too far can make you miserable.

Anger toward parents is still at the heart of a great deal of therapy. But has this approach gone too far?

New research provides a whole new understanding of the brain's amygdala—and suggests that happy people take the bad with the good.

A new wave of studies suggests that the rise of romantic kissing is linked to the changing roles of women.

Jeremy Adam Smith finds common ground with his son in the philosophy of Star Wars.

Do you prioritize other people's feelings over your own? You might be falling into the "empathy trap."