The Science of Happiness
Dr. Laurie Santos
It is a topic that has been discussed throughout humanity’s time on this earth: how does one be happy? It’s been the subject of songs, movies, books and all manner of media. Yet, in thousands of years of asking the question, we still don’t really know the answer. One woman is on a mission to change that.
Dr. Laurie Santos has been a professor of psychology for more than two decades at Yale University. While teaching, she began to notice something about her students: they were deeply unhappy. Not just unhappy, according to Dr. Santos, “More than 40% of college students” say they are “too depressed to function.” Being so close to the very real crisis that is student mental health gave her an idea: can one teach happiness?
With this idea in mind, Dr. Santos started what has become the most popular course at Yale in over 300 years, “The Science of Well-Being.” It’s easy to imagine why such a course would be popular. According to the 2026 World Happiness Report, adolescents in North America and Europe are far less happy than they were 15 years ago. As inflation rises and the world becomes more and more divided, it seems the same can be said for adults.
Unfortunately, according to Dr. Santos, one of the most popular current methods for dealing with unhappiness might actually be doing more harm than good. Manifesting, or thinking positive thoughts about things you want, seems to be all over social media. Want something? Just think super happy thoughts about that thing coming true, and it will!
But, that isn’t the reality according to Dr. Santos. She points out studies showing that the more one fantasizes about a desired outcome, the less likely that person is to put any actual work into the problem to make that outcome a reality. Wishing for good grades does not complete the work or study the material; only hard work can do that.
Luckily, Dr. Santos has spent a lot of time studying happiness and the real ways we can train our brains to actually achieve that happiness. And she’s bringing that hard work and knowledge to Tulsa. On Friday, October 16, Dr. Santos will grace the Chapman Music Hall Stage to share her knowledge with us.
Dr. Santos will be sharing psychology-backed tips and tricks that can be used to change our brains and habits. In theory, these tips and tricks will lead to the thing we’re all seeking: a little bit more happiness in our lives.
Not one to gatekeep her important work, Dr. Santos hopes to bring Tulsans real methods to help cope in difficult times and “practical strategies they can use to change their mindsets and behaviors to feel better.”
Looking to add a bit more happiness to your life? You can get a quick breakdown of the Yale University class that has broken records and become a popular podcast. Just join us when Dr. Santos visits Tulsa on October 16, presented by Tulsa Town Hall. Afterward, visit Dr. Santos’ site to find even more resources, sign up for happiness tips, or follow her on social media: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/.
Tulsa Town Hall presents
Dr. Laurie Santos: Working Your Way To Happiness
CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL
October 16 at 10:30 a.m.