Summary:
Happiness is a universal desire, and for many people, it seems elusive. The self-help industry has capitalized on this desire, with countless books promising to help readers find happiness. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know which books to choose. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind happiness and look at the 36 best-selling self-help books that offer strategies for achieving it.
The Science of Happiness:
Happiness is a complex emotion that is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, life circumstances, and intentional activities. Research has shown that about 50% of our happiness is determined by our genes, 10% by life circumstances, and the remaining 40% is within our control. This means that while some people may have a natural predisposition for happiness, we all have the ability to increase our levels of happiness through intentional actions.
Best-Selling Self-Help Books:
1. “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin – This book details the author’s year-long journey to find happiness and offers practical tips for readers to do the same.
2. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – This book teaches readers how to live in the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
3. “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – This classic self-help book focuses on habits and principles that can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
4. “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne – This controversial book introduces the concept of the law of attraction and how positive thinking can bring about desired outcomes.
5. “The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler – This book combines the wisdom of the Dalai Lama with modern psychology to offer a practical guide to finding happiness.
6. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – This book presents four principles for living a happy and fulfilling life based on ancient Toltec wisdom.
7. “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – This humorous and motivational book encourages readers to let go of their self-doubt and live a life of abundance.
8. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – This novel follows a young shepherd on his journey to find his personal legend, and offers lessons on following one’s dreams and finding happiness.
9. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson – This unconventional self-help book teaches readers how to prioritize what truly matters and let go of things that don’t.
10. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book inspires readers to tap into their creativity and pursue their passions, which can lead to a more fulfilling and happy life.
11. “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale – This classic self-help book teaches readers how to use the power of positive thinking to achieve success and happiness.
12. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown – This book explores the concept of embracing imperfections and vulnerability to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
13. “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins – This self-help book focuses on personal development and offers strategies for overcoming fears and achieving goals.
14. “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman – This book explores the five different ways people give and receive love, and how understanding these can improve relationships and happiness.
15. “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz – This book challenges readers to think bigger and take action to achieve their dreams and increase happiness.
16. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – This book encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, which can lead to more meaningful connections and happiness.

The Science of Happiness: 36 Best-Selling Self-Help Books
17. “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan – This book teaches readers how to focus on one thing at a time and eliminate distractions in order to achieve their goals and find happiness.
18. “The Power of Now” by Rhonda Byrne – This book takes a deeper dive into the concept of the law of attraction and how to use positive thinking to manifest happiness and success.
19. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – This book offers a step-by-step guide to achieving personal and professional success while maintaining happiness and balance.
20. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Norman Vincent Peale – This book offers practical advice for overcoming negative thinking and finding happiness through gratitude and self-acceptance.
21. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill – This self-help classic teaches readers how to harness the power of their thoughts to achieve wealth and happiness.
22. “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Gary Chapman – This book offers practical tips for using positive thinking to improve relationships, health, and overall happiness.
23. “The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra – This book presents seven principles for achieving success and happiness in all areas of life, including wealth and relationships.
24. “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck – This book combines psychology and spirituality to help readers embrace change, overcome obstacles, and find happiness.
25. “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer – This book teaches readers how to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
26. “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod – This book offers a morning routine designed to increase productivity, happiness, and success in all areas of life.
27. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron – This book guides readers through a 12-week program to unlock their creativity and find happiness and fulfillment.
28. “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale – This book teaches readers how to use the power of positive thinking to overcome obstacles and achieve happiness and success.
29. “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman – This book offers practical advice for using the five love languages to improve relationships and increase happiness.
30. “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor – This book presents research-backed strategies for increasing happiness and achieving success in all areas of life.
31. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – This book offers four principles for living a happy and fulfilling life based on ancient Toltec wisdom.
32. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – This book teaches readers how to live in the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
33. “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck – This book combines psychology and spirituality to help readers embrace change, overcome obstacles, and find happiness.
34. “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne – This controversial book introduces the concept of the law of attraction and how positive thinking can bring about desired outcomes.
35. “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero – This humorous and motivational book encourages readers to let go of their self-doubt and live a life of abundance.
36. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book inspires readers to tap into their creativity and pursue their passions, which can lead to a more fulfilling and happy life.
In conclusion, the 36 best-selling self-help books listed above offer a variety of strategies for achieving happiness. While the concept of happiness may seem elusive, these books remind us that we have the power to increase our levels of happiness through intentional actions and mindset shifts. Whether it’s focusing on the present moment, embracing vulnerability, or harnessing the power of our thoughts, these books offer valuable insights and practical tools for finding happiness.