Paul Dolan is a behavioral scientist, professor at The London School of Economics, and author of several books including Happy Ever After: Escaping the Myths of the Perfect Life. His central thesis is that long-standing socially developed narratives of success are myths that do not translate into personal happiness and fulfillment. He focuses his work on established beliefs about success in various domains of life including education, wealth, career, relationships, health, and altruism, and how we are judged by others, and by ourselves, in these domains. According to Dolan, assumptions about success are buttressed by the underlying notion of “reaching,” i.e., the need to gain and achieve more and more and by inferences concerning what it means to be an “adult” living an adult life. A critical reviewer of the scientific literature, Dolan reaches a variety of surprising, counter-intuitive conclusions about the correlation between financial success and happiness, the consequences of divorce, having children, and even infidelity. In the next virtual meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, April 2, 2022 (10:15 to 11:30 AM), we will explore Dolan’s ideas including his perspective on “happiness delusions.” Dolan’s talks “Happy Ever After” and “How to Be Happy,” along with his article “The Money, Job, Marriage Myth: Are You Happy Yet?”, will be our central focus. In addition, we will review his interview “Design Your Happy Ever After” in which Dolan offers a newly conceived notion of happiness.

* Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the next virtual meeting of the Men’s Group Seminar on Saturday, April 2, 2022, 10:15 to 11:30 AM, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com no later than Thursday, March 31, 2022. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminar. Please note that the Men’s Group Seminar is psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and does not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.