Arthur Brooks - Harvard Professor & Happiness Expert | Why Everything You Think About Success Is Wrong

Success Story with Scott D. Clary

Arthur Brooks - Harvard Professor & Happiness Expert | Why Everything You Think About Success Is Wrong

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Published on Aug 14, 2025, 12:26:22 AM
Total time: 01:01:38

Episode Description

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Arthur Brooks is a social scientist, bestselling author, and public speaker renowned for his work on happiness, leadership, and the intersection of science and human flourishing. Formerly the president of the American Enterprise Institute, he now teaches at Harvard University, where he focuses on behavioral science and social well-being. Through his books, research, and talks, Brooks explores how individuals can cultivate purpose, resilience, and joy in both life and work.

 

➡️ Show Links

Join 125,000+ readers of Arthur Brook’s “The Art & Science of Happiness” newsletter here.

 

➡️ Office Hours Podcast

Each week on Office Hours, you’ll get a glimpse into the cutting edge research on happiness, and explore how you can use it to improve your life—and share what you learn with those you love. 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3fT0FLFsPgV2mbVjuOo3JV

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-hours-with-arthur-brooks/id1832119842

YouTube: https://youtu.be/I5LVbNcW1VY

 

➡️ Books

https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Files-Insights-Arthur-Brooks/dp/B0F4MFQ6VN 

 

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➡️ Talking Points

00:00 – Intro

01:25 – What Most People Get Wrong About Happiness

04:30 – The Reverse Bucket List Explained

09:59 – Ambition Without Attachment

14:09 – Playing “What’s My Idol?”

22:51 – Sponsor Break

24:48 – Does Conquest Make You Happier?

27:39 – Intention Without Attachment

30:21 – Why Your Calling Matters

34:25 – Is Secularism Fueling Anxiety and Depression?

36:22 – Happiness vs. Meaning: What’s the Difference?

38:09 – Sponsor Break

40:04 – Why Arthur Turned to Buddhism

46:54 – Redefining Intimacy

49:48 – The Happiness Paradox

56:01 – What Sabotages Your Happiness?

58:31 – A Life-Changing Idea From Arthur’s Latest Book

01:00:39 – The No.1 Lesson on Happiness for His Kids

More about Success Story with Scott D. Clary

Welcome to the Success Story Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur, business executive, author, educator & speaker, Scott D. Clary (@scottdclary). On this podcast, you'll find interviews, Q&A, keynote presentations & conversations on sales, marketing, business, startups and entrepreneurship. Scott will discuss some of the lessons he's learned over his own career, as well as have candid interviews with execs, celebrities, notable figures and politicians. All who have achieved success through both wins and losses, to learn more about their life, their ideas and insights. He sits down with leaders and mentors and unpacks their story to help pass those lessons onto others through both experiences and tactical strategy for business professionals, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. To get more of the Success Story podcast, go to www.successstorypodcast.com.