The Happiness Industry

What was a Buddhist monk doing at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos lecturing the world''s leaders on mindfulness? Why do many successful corporations have a ''chief happiness officer''? What can the chemical composition of your brain tell a potential employer about you? In the past decade, governments and corporations have become increasingly interested in measuring the way people feel: ''the Happiness index'', ''Gross National Happiness'', ''well-being'' and positive psychology have come to dominate the way we live our lives. As a result, our emotions have become a new resource to be bought and sold.
In a fascinating investigation combining history, science and ideas, William Davies shows how well-being influences all aspects of our lives: business, finance, marketing and smart technology. This book will make you rethink everything from the way you work, the power of the ''Nudge'', the ever-expanding definitions of depression, and the commercialization of your most private feelings. The Happiness Industry is a shocking and brilliantly argued warning about the new religion of the age: our emotions.