“There’s no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.” — Thích Nhất Hạnh
My name's Jackson Kerchis and I’m creating my own Happiness PhD.
I'm a former startup executive, management consultant, and Zen monk. I created the world's first bachelor's degree in Happiness Studies and taught the first happiness course at the University of Alabama. My life’s work is to study happiness.
The Happiness PhD Project is an independent learning and research initiative to advance our understanding of happiness and wellbeing.
There was a famous Sociologist named Niklas Luhmann who, after years of independent study was awarded a professorship. He was asked to name his project and he said — My project was entitled, at that time and since: Theory of Society; term: 30 years; costs: none.
I’d say something similar for my work — Theory of Happiness; duration: lifetime; costs: none.
I’m organizing this knowledge in a digital encyclopedia that you’re reading now. The Happiness PhD Encyclopedia (HOME)
I’m writing a practical textbook on happiness inspired by Josh Kaufman’s The Personal MBA.
I want to understand as well as (more importantly) embody and experience happiness. And I want to support others in the same endeavor. I take a very practical approach. I am not as concerned with philosophy or publishing academic research. I am concerned with:
I address these questions through self-guided research and study from neuroscience, psychology, economics, contemplative/religious traditions, philosophy, and life experience.
My mission is to develop and share practical insights from the art and science of happiness. In doing so I hope to contribute to supporting happiness for one and for all.
I share this work in several places…