Book Review: The Happiness Experiment by Carl B. Barney
Carl B. Barney’s The Happiness Experiment: A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness is part memoir, part philosophical treatise, and part practical guide. What begins as a near-death experience aboard a failing aircraft evolves into an ambitious exploration of wealth, gratitude, and the pursuit of lasting happiness. With candor and conviction, Barney invites readers on a journey that is as personal as it is universally relevant.
The book is structured in three parts. The first, “Creating Pre-Quests,” introduces a central innovation: giving inheritances while still alive. These “pre-quests” are not merely acts of generosity but tools to catalyze reflection, growth, and joy for both giver and recipient. Barney recounts his own emotional process of recognizing the limitations of posthumous giving, emphasizing how powerful it is to witness the fruits of one’s generosity in real time.
The second section, “Happiness Planning,” delves deeper into the framework Barney used to help friends and associates consciously shape more fulfilling lives. With the support of coaches and structured tools, recipients of Barney’s Happiness Grants don’t simply spend money—they reflect, plan, and act with intention. The result, Barney argues, is not indulgence but transformation.
In the third and final section, “The Happiness Experiment Results,” we see the lives of several recipients unfold, each navigating the psychological complexities and practical applications of this novel kind of support. The message is clear: happiness does not result from wealth alone, but from meaningful engagement with one’s values, relationships, and aspirations.
Barney’s writing is accessible and earnest, full of vivid storytelling, particularly in the early chapters. His recounting of the airplane explosion that catalyzed the project is gripping and reflective, capturing the paradoxical calm that sometimes accompanies near-death clarity. It’s in these moments of existential reflection that the book achieves its most stirring depth.
What sets The Happiness Experiment apart is its combination of philosophical principle and practical application. Grounded in a philosophy of rational self-interest and personal responsibility, Barney’s experiment doesn’t chase the platitudes of generic self-help literature. Rather, it challenges readers to think critically about their lives, values, and legacies.
The book also raises important questions for wealth holders, estate planners, and philanthropists. Why wait until death to give? How might we transform generosity from a legal transaction into a living experience? What if money, thoughtfully applied, could be a catalyst for flourishing—not just security?
That said, the book is not without its risks. Barney’s wealth and context may feel far removed from the average reader, and the scale of some gifts might seem extravagant. But he wisely balances these examples with humble, human moments—like the story of the “Sixpence Lady” who, with one small gesture, inspired a lifetime of giving.
Ultimately, The Happiness Experiment is a refreshing, provocative take on wealth, gratitude, and legacy. It will resonate with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and anyone interested in the deeper question of what it means to live—and give—well.
If this book speaks to you, consider ordering it through our affiliate link and helping us amplify voices that align with our mission.
