Question

So after reading the chapter 10 in "The Happiness Hypothesis" of Haidt, and reflect on the following:

1. In your own words, how would you describe what Haidt means by each of “vital engagement” and “cross-level coherence” (make specific reference to the reading when answering)?

2. How does Haidt see vital engagement and cross-level coherence as related to meaning and happiness (make specific reference to the reading when answering)?

Answer 1

1.By vital engagement haidt means that

As a relationship to the world that is characterized by both experiences of flow and meaning .The first step is to know your strengths. Look for the aspects in your work that make use of your strengths .

. And Cross Level coherence is the meaning of life within one's self and life is also vital , coherence between the physical , psychological and socio cultural levels. Religion is an evolved mechanism for creating this coherence.

2.It is a common idea that happiness comes from within and cant be found in external things. For a while in the 1990s , psychologists agreed with ancient ages (such as buddha and epictetus)that external conditions are not but manners . But haidt argues that we now know that some external circumstances do matter .He identifies ways of improving happiness by altering this ,including spending money well ,and argues that the western emphasis on action and striving is not without merit.