Sometimes even a New York Times–bestselling happiness expert could use some advice . . .

In his trailblazing Harvard courses, his internationally bestselling books, as well as his lectures and videos, positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar has shared his wisdom on finding fulfillment with people around the world. But even a happiness expert needs a sympathetic ear now and then. Tal found his—not in a fellow psychologist or guru, but in his longtime Israeli neighborhood barber, Avi, who (along with cutting hair) dispenses wisdom beyond his years:

Moving fast is important, but so is knowing when to wait.
The more you provide for your children, the less they gain for themselves.
If only people brought the same levels of commitment to their relationships as they do to their work.
The best way to gain trust is to give trust.

Short Cuts to Happiness distills two years of Tal and Avi’s revelatory barbershop talk into forty brief chapters to dip in and out of, or to enjoy straight through. Each one reminds us how easy it is to find common ground on the things that matter most—and how good it is to talk with a tried-and-true friend.

“A charming read to remind you that wisdom about happiness is often right around the corner.”—Adam Grant, New York Times-bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals, and coauthor of Option B, with Sheryl Sandberg

“When a happiness expert like Ben-Shahar turns to someone else for advice, you know the advice has got to be good. Short Cuts to Happiness offers accessible, universal wisdom that puts a life of meaning and fulfillment within reach—and sets a very high bar for my next trip to the barber!”—Colin Beavan, author of No Impact Man and How to Be Alive

“Who knew that a trip to the barber could offer the secret to a happy life? In Short Cuts to Happiness, Tal Ben-Shahar shows how powerful insights grow from simple words of wisdom and how happiness can be found in surprising places—the smell of lilies, a good laugh, or a casual chat with a barber. In these pages, the pioneer of positive psychology finds a whole new way to help readers understand what it means to live life to its fullest. Like a great haircut, this book will leave you feeling sharper, more energized, and eager to take on the world.”—Alex Palmer, New York Times-bestselling author