The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, suicidal ideation, death by suicide, substance use, and addiction.

In The Happiness Trap, Harris challenges fundamental misconceptions about happiness that permeate modern society. He argues that these myths not only fail to alleviate human discomfort but also actively contribute to psychological distress by creating unrealistic expectations and promoting ineffective coping strategies. Through the examination of these cultural beliefs, Harris demonstrates how common assumptions about happiness can trap individuals in cycles of struggle and disappointment.

The first significant myth Harris addresses involves the belief that people should be able to control their thoughts and feelings. As he explains, “We have much less control over our thoughts and feelings than we would like, and I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this” (26). This misconception, he says, stems from humans’ ability to control their external environment, which creates an illusion of similar control over internal experiences. The author points out that while control strategies might work temporarily, they often lead to increased psychological discomfort when painful thoughts and feelings inevitably return with greater intensity. The text emphasizes how this illusion of control sets people up for failure and self-judgment when they cannot maintain their desired emotional state.