Happiness

Question 1

What are the benefits of happiness and optimism mentioned in the text?

Answer 1

They make us more motivated, efficient, resilient, creative, and productive.

These qualities drive performance and achievement.

Question 2

What happens to our goals as we achieve success?

Answer 2

Our goal posts of success keep getting pushed further away.

This results in happiness being pushed over the horizon.

Question 3

What did the Harvard Crimson poll in 2004 reveal about Harvard students?

Answer 3

Four in five Harvard students suffer from depression.

This statistic highlights the mental health challenges even among high-achieving students.

Question 4

What was the finding of the Conference Board survey released in January 2010?

Answer 4

Only 45% of workers surveyed were happy at their jobs, the lowest in 22 years of polling.

This indicates a significant decline in job satisfaction.

Question 5

How have depression rates changed since 1960 according to the text?

Answer 5

Depression rates today are 10 times higher than they were in 1960.

This points to a worsening mental health crisis over decades.

Question 6

What was the mean onset age of depression 50 years ago?

Answer 6

29 and a half years of age.

Today, the mean onset age of depression is almost half that, at 14 and a half years old.

Question 7

True or False: Success causes happiness according to the text.

Answer 7

False.

The text argues that happiness leads to success, not the other way around.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Our interpretation of ______ changes our experience of that reality.

Answer 8

[reality].

This emphasizes the subjective nature of our experiences.

Question 9

What is a key question raised in the text regarding different educational experiences?

Answer 9

Which is the best mental approach to the situation?

The text contrasts experiences between students in prestigious schools versus those in less privileged environments.