Most people think they know what makes them happy, but research in psychology and economics shows that people routinely fail to predict how they will feel when they do and do not get what they are seeking, overestimating both the pleasures of success and the pains of failure. Daniel Gilbert, professor of psychology at Harvard University, will explain what science has to say about why people seem to stumble on happiness rather than upon it in his presentation titled “Stumbling on Happiness.” The third annual NDSU College of Science and Mathematics Lectureship series, the presentation is set for Sunday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Fargo Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
Gilbert has won numerous awards for his research and teaching. In 2008, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His 2007 book, “Stumbling on Happiness,” was on the New York Times bestseller list for 25 weeks, translated into 30 languages and was awarded the Royal Society’s General Prize for best science book of the year.
He is a contributor to Time, The New York Times and National Public Radio's “All Things Considered.” He has been a guest on television and radio shows, including “The Today Show,” “Charlie Rose,” “20/20” and “The Colbert Report.” In 2010, he will host a show in the Public Broadcasting System “NOVA” series on human nature.
For more information and special accommodation needs, contact Keri Drinka at 1-6131 or keri.drinka@ndsu.edu.