Skip to main content

The surprising science of happiness - Nancy Etcoff

49,056 Views

5,930 Questions Answered

TED Talk

Let’s Begin…

Cognitive researcher Nancy Etcoff looks at happiness -- the ways we try to achieve and increase it, the way it's untethered to our real circumstances, and its surprising effect on our bodies.

Etcoff describes two systems in our brain, the “pleasure system” and the “wanting system.” Briefly summarize the chemistry associated with each, and describe the relationship of these two systems.

Login to answer question

About TED Talk Lessons

TED Talk Lessons are created by TED-Ed using phenomenal TED Talks. Do you have an idea for a lesson? Create it now using any video from YouTube »

Meet The Creators

  • Speaker Nancy Etcoff

More from The Way We Think