Haidt, Jonathan, The Happiness Hypothesis – Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom, 2005.

In each chapter, psychologist Haidt describes an important idea that has been discovered by several of the world’s civilizations, and examines that idea in light of modern scientific research.

The ancient truth providing a foundation for the book is that the human mind is divided into two parts – the conscious, reasoning side and the emotional side – and those parts are often in conflict.

The image Haidt uses to describe our divided mind is that of a rational Rider perched upon a powerful, passionate Elephant. The Rider holds the reins and seems to be the leader. But the Rider’s control is precarious because it is so small relative to the powerful Elephant.

Reason and emotion can work together to create intelligent behavior, but the emotional, intuitive Elephant actually does most of the work. And when the Elephant wants to go its own way, the Rider is helpless.