About The Author
Where does our author, Gretchen Rubin, live?
New York City
About what percent of someone's level of happiness is determined by genetics?
50%
What did Gretchen use to help guide her project?
Banjamin Franklin's virtues chart
What did Gretchen name her chart of principles she found valuable?
The 12 Commandments
True or false: Everyone's' happiness projects will differ?
True
What is the name of the project she did research on and crafted?
The Happiness Project
What accounts for about 10-20 percent of someone's happiness?
Life circumstances
Name 3 of the virtues from Franklin's chart.
Temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, or humility.
Name 2 of Gretchens 12 Commandments.
Be Gretchen, let it go, act the way I want to feel, do it now, be polite and fair, enjoy the process, spend out, identify the problem, lighten up, do what out to be done, no calculation, or there is only love.
Gretchen learned it was easier for her to be what when she was happy?
Easier to be good.
Where was Gretchen when she realized she "didn't know what she wanted from life"?
On a bus.
Name 3 of the life circumstances that can have an effect on someone's happiness level.
Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, income, health, occupation, or religious affiliation.
What was the goal of these virtues?
To find moral perfection
What list did Gretchen create based on life-lessons she has learned?
Secrets of Adulthood list
Name one thing from Gretchen's "Secrets of Adulthood" list.
No deposit no return, it's okay to ask for help, you don't have to be good at everything, soap and water remove most stains, bring a sweater, it's important to be nice to everyone, etc.
Why did Gretchen start The Happiness Project?
She realized she had so much to be happy about but was dissatisfied with her life.
What makes up the remaining percentage of someone's happiness level?
How someone thinks and acts.
How did Franklin use his chart?
He scored himself every day on if he practiced the virtue.
What are the three steps of The Happiness Project?
2. Find a strategy to assess your progress and hold yourself accountable.
3. Identify your personal commandments
At the end of the reading, the "Happiness Project Manifesto" is listed. Name one thing from that list.
Your body matters, happiness is other people, loving actions inspire loving feelings, best is good better is best, etc.