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The Path to Happiness

What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life

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Michael Puett

Today, finding happiness is about mindfulness and discovering your true self. You may have heard that happiness is found by looking within. Ancient Chinese philosophy challenges all of these modern assumptions. From Confucianism to Daoism, the philosophies developed over two thousand years ago are among the most powerful in human history.

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Today, finding happiness is about mindfulness and discovering your true self. You may have heard that happiness is found by looking within. Ancient Chinese philosophy challenges all of these modern assumptions. From Confucianism to Daoism, the philosophies developed over two thousand years ago are among the most powerful in human history.

This course brings voices from the past into modern contexts to explore the path to a good life today. The philosophical concepts discussed provide tools to change your life and increase personal happiness by focusing on your actions, the power of ritual, and the importance of sensing the world around you.

Through a series of lectures, animations, discussions, and reflection diaries, this course focuses on close readings from prominent Chinese philosophers. The course requires no prior knowledge of Chinese philosophy or history and all texts are in translation.

Adapted from one of the most popular classes at Harvard, this course is now available online for the first time. Learn from award-winning professor Michael Puett and start on your path towards happiness.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understanding ancient chinese philosophy to live a better life
  • Tools for self-awareness, the power of ritual, and sensing the world around you
  • How personal actions and counteractions change the world
  • The philosophical theories of confucius, mozi, mencius, laozi, zhuangzi, xunzi, and han feizi

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers philosophical concepts to increase personal happiness by enhancing your actions and the world around you
Explores ancient Chinese philosophy, providing historical context and tools for personal growth
Taught by award-winning professor Michael Puett, who is recognized for his expertise in Chinese philosophy
Focuses on personal actions and how they can change the world
Suited for those interested in exploring philosophical theories and their practical applications in daily life
Examines the philosophical theories of prominent Chinese philosophers, offering a comprehensive foundation in Chinese philosophy

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Reviews summary

Ancient wisdom for modern happiness

According to learners, this course offers a profound and accessible exploration of ancient Chinese philosophy, providing practical tools for a happier life. Many found the lectures engaging and insightful, delivered by an exceptional instructor. Students appreciate how the course translates complex ideas into actionable strategies for personal well-being, making it a valuable experience for anyone seeking new perspectives on life and happiness. The structured approach with reflection diaries and close readings is often highlighted as a strength.
Perfect for beginners, no prior philosophical background needed.
"As someone completely new to philosophy, I found the concepts very easy to grasp and follow."
"The course does an excellent job of introducing complex ideas without overwhelming new learners."
"No prior knowledge required, but even those with some background will find fresh perspectives from this course."
Diverse learning materials support deep understanding.
"The reflection diaries were a fantastic way to internalize the philosophical concepts and make them my own."
"I particularly enjoyed the animations, which helped visualize some of the more abstract ideas taught in the course."
"The combination of lectures, readings, and discussions kept me fully engaged throughout the entire program."
Professor Puett is highly knowledgeable and engaging.
"Professor Puett's ability to explain complex philosophies simply made this course truly outstanding for me."
"I found Professor Puett to be an incredibly insightful and passionate lecturer, his enthusiasm was truly contagious."
"His lectures are clear, well-structured, and he brings the ancient texts to life in a relatable way."
Offers profound perspectives applicable to modern life.
"This course genuinely shifted my perspective on happiness and how to approach daily challenges."
"I learned practical tools from ancient wisdom that I've already started integrating into my life."
"The way Chinese philosophy was connected to contemporary issues was truly eye-opening and transformative."
Not a quick-fix; demands active thought and introspection.
"This isn't a typical self-help course; it truly makes you think deeply about philosophical concepts and their implications."
"Some parts required a lot of introspection and active engagement, which was challenging but ultimately rewarding for me."
"If you're looking for immediate, concrete 'how-to' steps for happiness, you might find this course more theoretical in its approach."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life with these activities:
Review meditation practices
Reviewing mindfulness techniques can help strengthen focus and improve overall understanding of this subject.
Browse courses on Mindfulness
Show steps
  • Read up on the history of meditation practices
  • Try out a few different meditation techniques
  • Research the benefits of meditation
Gather and compile resources on Chinese philosophy
Having access to a curated collection of resources on Chinese philosophy allows for easy reference and deeper exploration of the subject.
Show steps
  • Create a folder or notebook for your resources
  • Search for and gather resources on Chinese philosophy from different sources
  • Organize the resources by topic or type
Learn about Confucius' teachings
Gaining a deeper understanding of Confucius' teachings helps in grasping the historical context and provides valuable insights into ethical principles.
Browse courses on Confucius
Show steps
  • Watch videos about Confucius' life and teachings
  • Read articles about Confucianism
  • Discuss Confucius' teachings with others
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read Zhuangzi's writings
Engaging with Zhuangzi's writings provides deep insights into Daoist philosophy, fostering a nuanced understanding of its core principles.
View moki: Mäander / Meander on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the core chapters of the Zhuangzi
  • Identify the main themes and ideas
  • Reflect on how these ideas relate to your life
Mindfulness reflection diary
Regularly reflecting on experiences and practicing mindfulness can enhance self-awareness and understanding of these philosophies.
Browse courses on Mindfulness
Show steps
  • Choose a time each day to reflect
  • Write down your thoughts and feelings
  • Identify any patterns you notice
  • Share your reflections with others
Discussion group on Confucianism and Daoism
Engaging in discussions encourages critical thinking and enables students to exchange perspectives, deepening their understanding of these philosophies.
Browse courses on Confucianism
Show steps
  • Find a group of people to discuss Confucianism and Daoism with
  • Choose a topic to discuss
  • Prepare for the discussion by reading or researching the topic
  • Participate in the discussion and share your thoughts and ideas
Create a presentation on Daoism
Creating a presentation necessitates in-depth research on Daoism's principles, aiding in a thorough comprehension of its teachings.
Browse courses on Daoism
Show steps
  • Research the history and key concepts of Daoism
  • Choose a specific aspect of Daoism to focus on
  • Create a presentation that is clear and engaging
  • Present your presentation to others
Build a tool to practice mindfulness
Creating a practical tool encourages the application of mindfulness techniques, fostering greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Browse courses on Mindfulness
Show steps
  • Choose a method for practicing mindfulness
  • Design and build a tool to support your chosen method
  • Test and refine your tool
  • Share your tool with others

Career center

Learners who complete The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Philosopher
Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality and existence. They must be able to think critically and creatively, and to communicate their ideas effectively. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy is a great fit for philosophers who wish to learn about the philosophical traditions of another culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They must be experts in their field and be able to communicate their findings effectively. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for professors who wish to understand the philosophical foundations of their discipline. The course also provides tools for self-awareness and understanding the world around you, which can be helpful for professors in their teaching and research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Teacher
Teachers help students learn. They must be able to understand and explain complex concepts, and to create a positive and supportive learning environment. The philosophical concepts discussed in this course may be useful for teachers who wish to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Counselor
Counselors help people with personal or social problems. They must be able to understand their clients' needs and provide support and guidance. Concepts covered in this course can help counselors become more effective in helping clients reach their goals because it provides tools for self-awareness and understanding the world around you.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor
Politician
Politicians make and enforce laws. They must be able to understand the needs of their constituents and to represent their interests. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for politicians who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of government and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Politician
Writer
Writers create written works, such as books, articles, and poems. They must be able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, and to tell a compelling story. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for writers who wish to learn about the philosophical traditions of another culture and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Philanthropist
Philanthropists give money and resources to charitable causes. They must be able to identify needs and to make wise decisions about how to allocate their resources. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for philanthropists who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of their work and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropist
Activist
Activists work to bring about social and political change. They must be able to identify problems and to develop effective strategies for addressing them. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for activists who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of their work and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Activist
Social Worker
Social workers help people in need, including those with mental illness, poverty, or other social problems. They must be able to understand the needs of their clients and provide support and guidance. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for social workers who wish to understand the cultural context of their clients' lives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They must be able to gather information from a variety of sources, and to write clearly and concisely. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for journalists who wish to understand the cultural context of the stories they cover.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Businessperson
Businesspeople create and run businesses. They must be able to understand the needs of their customers and to make sound financial decisions. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for businesspeople who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of business and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Businessperson
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They must be able to identify opportunities, develop a business plan, and raise capital. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for entrepreneurs who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of business and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They must be able to understand the needs of their clients and to develop effective solutions. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for consultants who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of business and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They must be able to develop and implement programs, and to raise funds. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for nonprofit managers who wish to learn about the philosophical foundations of their work and to gain insights into the human condition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists help people with mental health issues and disorders. They must understand how the mind works and how to help clients improve their mental wellbeing. This course on ancient Chinese philosophy may be useful for psychotherapists who wish to understand how different cultures view the mind and its relationship to happiness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychotherapist

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life.
The Analects
Save
A timeless classic and one of the most important works in Chinese philosophy. provides a comprehensive overview of Confucius’s teachings on ethics, politics, and society. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding ancient Chinese thought.
The Analects
Paperback
Check
The Analects
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Confucius and the Analects
Save
A collection of essays by leading scholars in the field of Chinese philosophy, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the major schools of thought and their key ideas. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the latest research on Chinese philosophy.
Confucius and the Analects: New Essays
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
DAO de Jing
Save
The central text of Taoism, one of the two major philosophical traditions of ancient China. offers profound insights into the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the way to live in harmony with the Dao.
Dao De Jing: The Book of the Way
Paperback
$$
Dao De Jing (The Illustrated Library of Chinese...
Paperback
$$
Laozi's Dao De Jing: A New Interpretation for a...
Kindle Edition
$$
Original Dao De Jing: The Hidden Way to Success,...
Paperback
$$
Dao De Jing
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Moki: Meander
Save
A collection of stories, parables, and philosophical reflections that explore the meaning of life and the nature of reality. classic of Taoist thought and is known for its humor, wit, and wisdom.
moki: Mäander / Meander
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Chinese literature; Comprising the Analects of...
Save
A foundational text of Confucianism and one of the most important works in Chinese philosophy. further develops Confucius’s ideas on human nature, morality, and government.
Chinese literature; Comprising the Analects of...
Paperback
Check
Chinese literature; Comprising the Analects of...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Han Feizi
Save
A collection of essays that present a Legalist perspective on government and society. is known for its advocacy of a strong, centralized state and its emphasis on the use of law to maintain order.
Han Feizi
Paperback
Check
Han Feizi
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Good Beyond Evil
Save
A collection of essays that present a Confucian perspective on human nature, morality, and government. is known for its incisive analysis of human nature and its emphasis on the importance of education.
Good Beyond Evil: Xunzi on human nature
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Authentic Happiness
Save
A research-based guide to happiness, this book offers practical strategies for building a more fulfilling life. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the science of happiness.
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive...
Paperback
$
Martin Seligman 3 Books Collection Set (Flourish,...
Paperback
$$
(Español) La auténtica felicidad [Authentic Happiness]
Audible Audiobook
$$
Authentic Happiness
Paperback
$$
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mapping Responsibility
Save
A comprehensive introduction to Chinese philosophy, this book provides an overview of the major schools of thought and their key ideas. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history and development of Chinese thought.
Mapping Responsibility: Choice, Guilt, Punishment,...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Art of Happiness - 20th Anniversary Edition
Save
A practical guide to happiness based on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, this book offers advice on how to overcome negative emotions and cultivate positive ones. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Buddhist approach to happiness.
The Art of Happiness - 20th Anniversary Edition
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Happiness Project Tenth Anniversary Edition
Save
A memoir about one woman’s year-long quest to be happier, this book offers practical advice on how to make small changes in your life that can lead to big results. It fun and inspiring read for anyone interested in learning more about the pursuit of happiness.
The Happiness Project, Tenth Anniversary Edition:...
Paperback
$
The Happiness Project, Tenth Anniversary Edition:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Creating Confucian Authority
Save
A concise and accessible introduction to Chinese philosophy, this book provides an overview of the major schools of thought and their key ideas. It good starting point for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese philosophy.
Creating Confucian Authority The Field of Ritual...
Hardcover
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 13 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Michael Puett
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers philosophical concepts to increase personal happiness by enhancing your actions and the world around you
Explores ancient Chinese philosophy, providing historical context and tools for personal growth
Taught by award-winning professor Michael Puett, who is recognized for his expertise in Chinese philosophy
Focuses on personal actions and how they can change the world
Suited for those interested in exploring philosophical theories and their practical applications in daily life
Examines the philosophical theories of prominent Chinese philosophers, offering a comprehensive foundation in Chinese philosophy
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