1504:Basic Premises 1 Passive Victim Vs. Active Agent self pity blame frustration anger ___________________________________________ confidence responsibility hope and optimism forgive/forget 2 The Premises Bridge building Vs. Division and separation Change is possible Vs. Change is illusive Internal factors primarily determine happiness Vs. Happiness is primarily a function of external circumstances Human nature must be obeyed Vs. Human nature must be perfected Happiness is and ought to be the ultimate end Vs. Happiness should be a secondary pursuit 3 PREMISE 1:Bridge buildingVS.Division and separation 4 Bridging Ivory Tower and Main Street “The careful shielding of a university from the activities of the world around us is the best way to chill interest and to defeat progress. Celibacy does not suit a university. It must mate itself with action.” Alfred North Whitehead 5 The Need for Practical Idealists The desire to make a difference False stereotypes Generous Harvardians Generous Americans Influential positions Goodwill and idealism necessary but not sufficient 6 Psychology Can Help Applied research in the classroom for increasing self-esteem bridging mind and body in conflict resolution Taking research seriously Our responsibility 7 Bridge Among Disciplines Enhanced learning Enhanced creativity True to reality More interesting 8 PREMISE 2:Change is possibleVS.Change is illusive 9 “It may be that trying to be happier is as futile as trying to be taller and is therefore counterproductive.” Lykken and Tellegan (1996) Minnesota Twin Studies 10