THE HAPPINESS SCALE

Measure Your Happiness—And Learn How to Build More of It

WHAT IS THE HAPPINESS SCALE?

The data will only get you so far.

Happiness isn’t random—it’s measurable, understandable, and changeable.

The Happiness Scale is a quick, research-based tool that shows you how you experience emotions day to day, and how those patterns influence your happiness. In just 10 minutes, you’ll get a personalized report revealing your emotional strengths, challenges, and practical ways to grow.

On my own search for a happier life, I had to look in places where the research couldn't fully explain life's most ineffable questions. Why am I alive? What is my life's meaning? These are metaphysical questions beyond the scope of research.
Put differently, the full experience of happiness lives at the intersection of science and spirituality.

What you'll discover

Your personalization Well-Being Score

See how your happiness stacks up against the broader population, and get a clear picture of your levels of Enjoyment, Satisfaction, and Meaning—the three “macronutrients” of happiness.

Emotional pattern insights

Get insights into your emotional patterns, both positive and negative

Your happiness roadmap

At The Free Press, where I write a column called “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

International Keynote Speaker

Sharing insights with everyone ranging from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to thought leaders, universities, and faith-based leaders.

Former President of a Global Think Tank

I led the American Enterprise Institute for a decade, focused on public policy, culture, and human flourishing.

And Most Importantly of All...

A lifelong student of the science of happiness and love, as well as a husband, father, grandfather, and Catholic.

How it works

1. Take the 10-minute online assessment.

2. Instantly receive your personalized report.

3. Explore your results with Arthur’s practical insights and Well-being To-Dos.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly where to focus to increase happiness in your everyday life.It's time to stop guessing and start building. Take control of your emotional life and take the Happiness Scale today!

It was an unorthodox path. But it taught me what no straight-line education ever could:

You don’t have to do life in the “right” order to build a meaningful one.

people are often surprised to learn:

I’m not naturally happy. That’s why I know this works.

Like so many others, happiness hasn’t come easy for me. I’ve started a lot more days with a frown than a smile.

Happiness isn’t my natural disposition. I’ve learned how to get happier—through science, faith, and daily practice. I even track my happiness on a spreadsheet.

Happiness is never a “done” job. It is a bit like hygiene—you can’t do it once and stay clean forever.

“If you don’t follow Arthur please do because there is always something that you can take away and implement in your day-to-day life.”

Maria Shriver

Journalist and former First Lady of California

“Arthur Brooks is one of my very favorite thinkers. Witty, wise, and insatiably curious, he is one of the few intellectuals who can reliably weave scientific research and everyday observations into what we all really need: succinct advice for a good life.”

Angela Duckworth

Founder and CEO of Character Lab and author of Grit

This is what happiness looks like for me. What does it look like for you?

Satisfaction

Satisfaction isn’t about having everything I want. It’s about wanting what I have.

It’s not about achieving a goal, but making progress toward one each day and enjoying the process.

And satisfaction means understanding my sacrifices and struggles as part of that process as well.

Enjoyment

Quality time with my wife, kids, and grandkids gives me an immense sense of enjoyment. That’s because enjoyment is more than pleasure: It involves people and memory.

I look for enjoyment by spending time doing what I love–listening to music, discussing ideas, goofing around–with the people I love most.

Meaning

Meaning is the why of my life: The reason I am alive, and that for which I would give my life as well.

For me, this is my faith as a Catholic, my family, my friends, and my country.

Other people have a different why, and that’s great. But happiness requires knowing what that is, and living according to it.