Elaine Fox has been a leader of research on cognitive psychology for more than 20 years. In this book she draws on her own work and that of many other scientists from around the world and with a compelling mix of science and anecdotes explains why optimism is more difficult than pessimism; how innocent stimuli can become triggers for terror; how our ancient neural circuits take over our thoughts and memories and why some people are driven to dangerous risks. A book about brain science and happiness and how to understand one to promote the other.