Born to Flourish
How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving
Published on 9. April 2026
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-917189-39-2 (ISBN)
Description
For anyone who is overwhelmed, stressed, or lonely in today's world, or who simply senses they have an untapped potential to lead a more fulfilling life, here are ways to flourish.
The human species is experiencing a massive mental health crisis. Depression is now the leading cause of morbidity globally. Loneliness is more dangerous to our health than smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Suicide rates in different groups in some parts of the world are skyrocketing and cut across social class and income. Distractibility and impairments of concentration are at an all-time high, and teens are spending more time on social media than they do sleeping.
Now, based on decades of neuroscientific research, Dr Richard J. Davidson, a pioneering neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author, and Dr Cortland Dahl, one of the world's foremost experts on the science and practice of meditation, share their groundbreaking scientific model - the Healthy Minds Framework - that highlights the four core skills of human flourishing to counteract such problems.
Each skill - awareness, insight, connection, and purpose - translates into practices that all of us can do in simple ways, every day, with enormous positive results. When we cultivate these skills, we can navigate life's ups and downs with far more resilience and calmness, on a path to a life that feels balanced, rich, and rewarding.
The human species is experiencing a massive mental health crisis. Depression is now the leading cause of morbidity globally. Loneliness is more dangerous to our health than smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Suicide rates in different groups in some parts of the world are skyrocketing and cut across social class and income. Distractibility and impairments of concentration are at an all-time high, and teens are spending more time on social media than they do sleeping.
Now, based on decades of neuroscientific research, Dr Richard J. Davidson, a pioneering neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author, and Dr Cortland Dahl, one of the world's foremost experts on the science and practice of meditation, share their groundbreaking scientific model - the Healthy Minds Framework - that highlights the four core skills of human flourishing to counteract such problems.
Each skill - awareness, insight, connection, and purpose - translates into practices that all of us can do in simple ways, every day, with enormous positive results. When we cultivate these skills, we can navigate life's ups and downs with far more resilience and calmness, on a path to a life that feels balanced, rich, and rewarding.
Reviews / Votes
'A proven path to living a full, rich life despite today's challenges. We all need this!' -- Dr Judson Brewer, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>Unwinding Anxiety</em> 'This brilliant and accessible program shows us that true well-being is within reach - even if you think you're too busy! It goes beyond mere self-care to give us a new, better way to move through the world. Born to Flourish is a roadmap to changing your life at every level.' -- Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO, Thrive Global 'A remarkable book! A clear and accessible introduction to simple practices proven to change brains and lives for the better. Savour it, mark up the pages, and then give another copy to someone you care about.' -- Dr Robert Waldinger, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>The Good Life</em> Praise for Altered Traits (co-authored by Richard J. Davidson):'This exquisite duet between a down-to-earth science writer and path-breaking neuroscientist is a tour-de-force, revealing how training the mind can transform the brain and our sense of self, inspiring us to create a greater sense of wellbeing, meaning, and connection in our world. Bravo!' -- Dr Daniel J. Siegel, author of the <em>New York Times</em> bestsellers <em>Mindsight</em> and <em>Brainstorm</em> Praise for Altered Traits (co-authored by Richard J. Davidson):
'Here is a message that is both powerful and joyful. Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson reveal groundbreaking science showing how mindfulness and compassion practices can help each of us individually and thus the entire planet. One of the most exciting books I have read!' -- Chade-Meng Tan, author of the <em>New York Times</em> bestsellers <em>Joy on Demand</em> and <em>Search Inside Yourself</em> Praise for Altered Traits (co-authored by Richard J. Davidson):
'One of the world's most eminent psychological scientists and most gifted science writers have written the definitive book on the science of meditation. Rigorously researched and deeply illuminating, Altered Traits is a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden potential of the human mind.' -- Daniel Gilbert, PhD, author of the <em>New York Times</em> bestseller <em>Stumbling on Happiness</em> Praise for Altered Traits (co-authored by Richard J. Davidson):
This superb book is many things - a crystal clear tour of the neuroscience of emotion; a primer about how the scientific process works; a personal story by a really likeable guy; and the promise of a better world. This is a wonderful book. -- Robert M. Sapolsky, PhD, author of <em>Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers</em> and <em>Monkeyluv</em> Praise for Altered Traits (co-authored by Richard J. Davidson):
'The best book I know on how to use the exciting discoveries of neuroscience to change your life. A fabulous read - a scientific adventure story like Sherlock Holmes meeting Watson and Crick with the Dalai Lama as their advisor.' -- Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of <em>The Wise Heart</em> Praise for The Emotional Life of Your Brain (by Richard J. Davidson):
'The Emotional Life of Your Brain is an eye-opener, replete with breakthrough research that will change the way you see yourself and everyone you know. Richard Davidson and Sharon Begley make a star team: cutting-edge findings formulated in a delightful, can't-put-it-down read. I loved this book.' -- Daniel Goleman, PhD, bestselling author of <em>Emotional Intelligence</em> Praise for A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism (by Cortland Dahl):
'A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is a gem. Easily accessible, down-to-earth, and practical. Replete with compelling personal stories, sprinkled with simple, user-friendly practices, and comprehensive in its overview of the entire Buddhist path, this book is a must-read for ... all those who wish to flourish.' -- Richard J. Davidson, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>The Emotional Life of Your Brain</em> and co-author of <em>Altered Traits</em> Praise for A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism (by Cortland Dahl):
'A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is that rare combination of impressive clarity and warmheartedness, so that we feel invited to our own direct experience of a path to freedom.' -- Sharon Salzberg, author of <em>Lovingkindness</em> and <em>Real Life</em> Praise for A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism (by Cortland Dahl):
'This jewel of a book accomplishes the seemingly impossible task of distilling ancient Buddhist texts into relatable and accessible teachings without watering them down. A warm and accomplished teacher of challenging material, Cortland Dahl has written a brilliant and indispensable guide that shows both new and experienced meditators innovative ways to integrate these ancient texts into their lives anytime and anywhere.' -- Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of <em>Real-World Enlightenment</em>, <em>Mindful Games</em>, and <em>The Mindful Child</em> Praise for A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism (by Cortland Dahl):
'This is a delightful and extremely useful book. Cortland Dahl expertly describes the essence of the three main Buddhist traditions, guides the reader through accessible practices, and brings it all to life with his own embodied wisdom.' -- Dr Judson Brewer, PhD, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of <em>Unwinding Anxiety</em> and <em>The Craving Mind</em>
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 148 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
410 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-917189-39-2 (9781917189392)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Dr Richard J. Davidson is the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain. He is the recipient of numerous awards, and is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, and founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr Cortland Dahl, who also works at the Center, is a scientist, translator, and leading expert on meditation and the cultivation of human flourishing. He is the author of A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism: The Path of Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom.
Dr Cortland Dahl, who also works at the Center, is a scientist, translator, and leading expert on meditation and the cultivation of human flourishing. He is the author of A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism: The Path of Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom.