Page 2. Connect to the Topic. Part B. TUNE IN

Unit 1

page 2 CONNECT to the topic Tune in

Host: Today we have a topic that I think will make you smile: the topic of happiness! My guest today is Professor Stefano Tassi. Professor Tassi teaches a popular college course on happiness. Professor, welcome. Psychology professor Stefano Tassi: Thank you. It’s good to be here. Host: Now, my fi rst question is, how do you defi ne happiness? Prof. Tassi: That’s a good question. We often say that there are two kinds of happiness. Host: Two? Prof. Tassi: Yes, we’ve identifi ed two types of happiness—short-term happiness and long-term happiness. Host: OK. And how are they different? Prof. Tassi: Well, short-term happiness is the type of happiness you feel now, in the moment. It’s when something specifi c makes you happy. For example, you’ve just heard some good news. Or you’re sitting on the beach on vacation. Or you have just enjoyed a nice dinner with your family. Short-term happiness is happiness that is caused by specifi c events. Host: I see, very specifi c. Prof. Tassi: Yes, it’s specifi c. So this feeling can often change from day to day. Host: And long-term happiness? Prof. Tassi: Yes, long-term happiness is different. Long-term happiness is the level of happiness you feel generally in your life. It doesn’t depend on what is happening that day. This level of happiness stays the same throughout our lives. Host: I see. So a person who is generally unhappy can have a great day and feel happy, but for a short time. Prof. Tassi: Right. And a person who is generally happy can experience something bad and feel unhappy, but for a short time. Host: Got it. A person’s long-term level of happiness doesn’t usually change. So interesting.