Dacher Keltner, director of the Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory, will offer perspectives on this provocative question during Willamette University’s convocation address on Aug. 21.
In his talk, Keltner will detail the latest scientific discoveries related to human happiness — from its effect on longevity, productivity and societal trust to its relationship to kindness, mindfulness, awe and beauty.
A psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Keltner wrote the best-selling book “Born to Be Good,” in which he argues that positive emotions lie at the core of human nature.
Keltner has published more than 160 scientific articles and co-authored two textbooks. His research findings have appeared in TIME, Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. In addition to collaborating on projects with Pixar, Facebook and Google, he’s twice presented his research to the Dalai Lama.
The free event begins at 1:30 p.m. on the Quad and will be followed by a book-signing in the Willamette bookstore. Attendance is required for all first-year students. Other students, student family members and Willamette staff are welcome to attend.
