Arthur C. Brooks on Mastering Your Emotions While the World Burns

Arthur C. Brooks returns to talk about the psychology of political movements, how fear is used as a tool to outrage and manipulate people, and how to preserve your happiness and sanity throughout all of it. Arthur explains why our brains are hardwired to emphasize negativity. He shows how politicians and influencers are exploiting that evolutionary trait to monetize your anger and gain power. He gives us some practical advice for how to disassociate yourself from outrage culture. And he gives us perspective on what real happiness should mean in work, school, family, and our purpose in life.

Arthur C. Brooks is the co-author with Oprah Winfrey of the new book “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier.” He is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on happiness and leadership. He is the creator of the popular “How to Build a Life” column at The Atlantic, an acclaimed public speaker, and the author of numerous bestselling books, including “From Strength to Strength” and “Love Your Enemies.”