Dan Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness," challenges the idea that we'll be miserable if we don't get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don't go as planned.

"Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they're finished." Dan Gilbert shares recent research on a phenomenon he calls the "end of history illusion," where we somehow imagine that the person we are right now is the person we'll be for the rest of time. Hint: that's not the case.

Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A with some familiar TED faces.

Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert says our beliefs about what will make us happy are often wrong -- a premise he supports with intriguing research, and explains in his accessible and unexpectedly funny book, Stumbling on Happiness.

What makes you, well, you? Get to know yourself a bit better with this collection of thought-provoking talks.

Stefan Sagmeister prefers to watch with company: “I find watching TED Talks the most brilliant alternative to watching TV, especially with someone else while stopping and going and stopping and discussing it all.”

The extra candles on the birthday cake, the little lines you notice in the mirror ... aging doesn't always feel good. But remember, age also brings wisdom and balance. Watch these reminders of the benefits that come with age.

These talks explore why time may feel a little different for everyone and how to wrangle a little more for yourself.

A top newscaster in China, Wang Lifen has launche Umiwi to call on the youth of China to make their own media. Here, her 5 most quotable TED Talks.

Talks on why some choices are so tough, and how we can make better ones. Some even ask: are we really in control of our choices at all?

It never hurts to have a basic set of guiding principles. Let these insightful talks help shape, redefine and build out your own leadership goals.

Time is measured in seconds, minutes and hours. But these talks show it isn't always so simple.

The 3 pounds of jelly in our skulls allow us to reflect on our own consciousness -- and to make counterintuitive, irrational decisions. These talks explore why.

Spellbinding, stimulating, seductive ... science? Here, the 10 most-watched science talks on TED.com. See why.

Ever wondered, why did I just do that? These fascinating talks explain the hidden reasons why we do what we do.

Ignite your curiosity with these TED Talks certain to motivate the mind, reshape perspectives and inspire ideas worth spreading.

Popular business author Dan Pink picks his 5 favorite TED Talks on how to find greater success at work.

These speakers offer beautiful, sweeping, simple life advice — the kind to tuck in the back of your mind and let inspire you onward.

Head of TED Chris Anderson speaks with fascinating individuals to dig into some of the most provocative and powerful ideas of our time. (Made possible with the support of Lexus.)

No need to panic: Take a deep breath, and power through your moments of doubt and burnout with the help of these talks.

Everyone wants to be happy. But how, exactly, does one go about it? Here, psychologists, journalists, Buddhist monks and more gives answers that may surprise.

A list of the talks mentioned in TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking. Chris Anderson's comments on each talk (in the grey italics) indicate why they were included in the book. Use the book index for more info.

In her new book "All Joy and No Fun," Jennifer Senior explores how children reshape their parents' lives -- for better and worse.

Researcher Matt Killingsworth designs studies that gather data on happiness. One takeaway? "A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind."

We all feel stuck sometimes — whether it's on a creative project, in a job where we feel like we've plateaued, or in a mental state we just can't seem to shake out of. These talks may help give you that jolt.

Dan Gilbert gave his first TED Talk in February 2004; The surprising science of happiness was one of the first we ever published, in September 2006. Here, the Harvard psychologist reminisces about the impact of TED, shares some suggestions of useful further reading — and owns up to some mistakes. When I gave this talk in 2004, the idea that v...

How does the metaphorical lightbulb go off? Is it a flash of genius? The power of crowds? These heady talks explore the nature of ideas themselves: Where they come from, how they evolve, and how each of us can nurture them.

These well-known writers weave beautiful words on the page ... and on the stage.

About this event: Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM(JST) TED2014 Simulcast: All-Stars Session 2: Beauty and the Brain Tierney Thys – Marine biologist Dan Gilbert – Psychologist; happiness expert Emily Levine – Philosopher-comic David Brooks – Columnist Jane McGonigal – Game Designer Neil Turok – Physicist, education activist Rory Sutherland – Advertisin...

The TED Interview launches its newest season on October 9, 2019. Last season notably featured Bill Gates, Monica Lewinsky and Susan Cain -- and you can expect another thoughtful lineup of scientists, thinkers and artists for the new season. Season 3 features eight episodes, during which head of TED Chris Anderson will continue to inspire...