**Abstract**

This chapter reviews recent research in psychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics relating to perception, paradox, synchronicity, brain chemicals, brain mapping, and the so-called social brain, discussing the gaps between scientific findings and the integration of these findings into human behavior. Specific implications of the identified gaps relating to happiness and well-being are identified and seven quantum skills are introduced. These quantum skills are designed to pragmatize recent research; thus, promoting the integration of new scientific knowledge into human behavior. The authors propose future research that measures the efficacy of these skills for creating sustained happiness and well-being at the individual level, as well as increased global flourishing.

**Keywords:** happiness, paradox, positive psychology, perception, quantum skills, social brain, synchronicity, well-being

## **1. Introduction**

The desire for happiness appears to be universal, though its attainment remains elusive. Significant differences in the definition of happiness across cultures, coupled with widely varying theories regarding how it can be achieved, add measurement complexity. For example, Western cultures typically associate happiness with positive affect; thus, Western happiness research has historically defined happiness as the presence of positive emotions [1]. The Western happiness literature primarily uses measures of subjective well-being (SWB) as a proxy for happiness [2, 3]; and Western psychological theories of happiness typically focus on individualistic values such as autonomy, self-esteem, and mastery [4]. Even though the Western happiness literature differs considerably as to the factors that contribute to happiness, there is general agreement that the result of happiness is an emotional sense of subjective well-being (SWB).

On the other hand, Eastern cultures associate happiness with contentment or peace of mind [5, 6]. Happiness is not associated with positive affect; and, contrary to Western cultures, Eastern cultures do not view happiness as incompatible with suffering [7]. Thus, it is not surprising that while Western theories associate happiness with

high arousal positive states (e.g., excitement), Eastern happiness theories typically define happiness using terms associated with low arousal states (e.g., calmness) [8]. Eastern beliefs regarding happiness have their roots in ancient religions (e.g., Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sufism); yet they are reflected in contemporary Eastern secular cultural values such as cooperation and harmony [1].

In addition to cultural differences, the happiness literature has attempted to differentiate between hedonic happiness/well-being (i.e., positive affect) and eudaimonic happiness/well-being (i.e., self-actualization) [2, 9]. Though many studies have attempted to differentiate these two concepts, there has not been a consistent definition of the two terms; thus, measurement issues add complexity and confusion to the findings. Additionally, there appears to be an overlap between the two constructs as measures of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness strongly correlate [10]. Kashdan et al. [3] comment: "until issues of definition, methodology, and relatedness are better understood, research programs attending to differences in these types of well-being will be relatively weak and difficult to interpret meaningfully" (p. 227).

As most Western research uses happiness and well-being as interchangeable, or at least inter-related concepts [11], this chapter will not differentiate between them. Though there may be differences between happiness (feeling good) and well-being (feeling fulfilled) this chapter will not make such a distinction. Rather the authors will follow the precedent of other research and use the term well-being as an overarching construct that encompasses happiness [12]. However, contrary to other Western research that focuses on techniques for increasing well-being by increasing positive affect, this chapter presents a comprehensive set of life skills grounded in concepts that are congruent with both Western and Eastern perspectives about happiness, as well as both eudemonic and hedonic constructs. These skills are derived from concepts in quantum physics and recent discoveries in neuroscience, as well as research in the field of positive psychology. They enable users to apply a comprehensive set of research findings from three disparate disciples in order to close the gap between what is known scientifically and the beliefs and behaviors of the general population. It is hypothesized that closing this gap will lead to higher levels of happiness and well-being.
