And They Lived Happily Ever After? — The History of Happiness and Human Well-Being Explained | Chapter 19 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
And They Lived Happily Ever After? — The History of Happiness and Human Well-Being Explained | Chapter 19 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari Has all of humanity’s progress actually made us happier? In Chapter 19 of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind , Yuval Noah Harari tackles this timeless question by exploring the relationship between wealth, power, and subjective well-being. Watch the full chapter summary below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for detailed academic breakdowns of every chapter! The Paradox of Progress: Are We Happier Now? Harari argues that while the modern era has brought unparalleled wealth, longevity, and comfort, happiness has not necessarily followed. Studies in psychology and biology show that well-being is shaped more by expectations, perception, and biochemistry than by material gains. Our brains adapt to new comforts, raising the bar for satisfaction and leaving many perpetually unsatisfied. Key Topics in Chapter 19 Material Progres...