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How to increase your happiness

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TEDEd Animation

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Many people would say the connection between happiness and gratefulness is very simple: when you are happy, you are grateful. But think again. Is it really the happy people that are grateful? Quite a number of people have everything that it would take to be happy, and they are not happy. So, how does gratefulness work? Explore the key components to living gratefully.

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This animated video was adapted from David Steindl-Rast's TED Talk, "Want to be happy? Be grateful" Watch the full talk here.

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a 97 year old Benedictine monk who, over his long career, has studied and written on gratitude as the "true source of lasting happiness." He has lasting and impactful relationships with many world leaders including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Thomas Merton, which have been made possible by his strong dedication to inter-religious dialogue.

One of the first Roman Catholics to participate in Buddhist-Christian dialogue, Brother Steindl-Rast was delegated to pursue Buddhist-Christian dialogue in 1966. His many books are dedicated to gratitude, contemplative spirituality, and interfaith connection. You can find a list of his written works here.

He is the cofounder of gratefulness.org, supporting ANG*L (A Network for Grateful Living).

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Avi Ofer
  • Narrator David Steindl-Rast, Adrian Dannatt
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal

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