Author stumbles on book prize
27 Jun 2007 by Evoluted New Media
Daniel Gilbert’s pursuit of the scientific basis of happiness has won him the Royal Society prize for science books.
Daniel Gilbert’s pursuit of the scientific basis of happiness has won him the Royal Society prize for science books.
The American Psychologist’s book - Stumbling on Happiness - draws on psychology and neuroscience, as well as personal experience, to take the reader through the various ways people attempt to make themselves happy.
Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society presented the £10,000 prize to Daniel Gilbert at a ceremony was held at the Royal Society.
Gilbert said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this tremendous honour from the world's oldest learned society. There are very few countries (including my own) where a somewhat cheeky book about happiness could win a science prize - but the British invented intellectual humour and have always understood that enlightenment and entertainment are natural friends. So God bless the empire!”
Stumbling on Happiness triumphed over other strong contenders in the shortlist, including Eric R Kandel’s In search of Memory, Henry Nicholl’ Lonesome George and Adam Wishart’ One in three, to win the prestigious award for science writing.
Professor Colin Pillinger, chair of the judges, said: “Stumbling on Happiness is an outstanding and highly readable winner of this year’s Royal Society Prize for Science Books. Daniel Gilbert’ voice provides a witty companion throughout this exploration of the science behind the pursuit of happiness an issue which fascinates us all. He uses cognitive science and psychology to provide intriguing insights into human nature, helping us to understand why we make the decisions we do.
“All of the books on the short list were excellent and a treat to judge. Coming to a final decision was extremely difficult.”
Daniel Gilbert is the Harvard College Professor of Psychology at Harvard University.
