Professor Arthur Brooks is hands-down one of the best professors I’ve had at Harvard. This class was genuinely life-changing. Dr. Brooks doesn’t just teach about happiness, leadership, and human flourishing — he embodies it. Every lecture felt like a masterclass in wisdom delivered with warmth, humor, and zero pretension. He has this incredible ability to blend rigorous research (he drops data and studies effortlessly) with deeply personal stories that actually stick with you. What sets him apart is how approachable and caring he is. Despite his massive reputation, he remembers students’ names, stays after class to chat, and seems truly invested in how you’re doing. His feedback on papers was thoughtful and encouraging — he actually wants you to grow. I left every single class feeling more hopeful about life, work, and my future. The concepts we covered (especially the science of happiness and building meaning) have already helped me in my personal life and internships. If you’re even remotely considering one of his courses, take it. You will not regret it. Easily one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in college. Thank you, Professor Brooks!
Arthur C. Brooks is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. He teaches courses on leadership, happiness, and nonprofit management. Brooks is the founder and director of the Leadership & Happiness Laboratory at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. He is one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness and travels extensively to teach individuals and organizations how to live happier lives.
Brooks is the author of 15 books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Build the Life You Want, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, and From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life. His forthcoming book is The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. He serves as a CBS News Contributor, columnist with The Free Press, and host of the weekly podcast Office Hours with Arthur Brooks. Brooks previously held leadership roles at the American Enterprise Institute and academic appointments at Syracuse University and other institutions.
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