Book · 2026 · Self-Help
Born to Flourish
How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving
Why people recommend it
Richard J. Davidson and Cortland Dahl's book bridges ancient contemplative traditions with modern neuroscience to outline pathways for mental well-being and thriving. On Huberman Lab, Andrew Huberman recommended Richard Davidson's book Born to Flourish and noted that links would be provided in the show notes. Dr. Richard Davidson himself mentioned his book Born to Flourish, co-authored with Courtland Dahl, when discussing the innate nature of kindness during the same episode. Furthermore, Dr. Richard Davidson brought up his book Born to Flourish while discussing difficulties in maintaining a daily meditation practice, noting that many people struggle with consistency. Podcast hosts and scientific experts frequently cite this work to demonstrate how intentional mental training can physically alter brain structures associated with happiness, resilience, and prosocial behavior. These discussions provide listeners with actionable, science-backed protocols for cultivating emotional regulation and long-term psychological flourishing through accessible daily mindfulness practices.
Who recommended it
- Richard Davidson Discussed
- Andrew Huberman Recommended
Richard Davidson — 2 mentions
“and so, I think that that is is real, but I also think that the qualities, like for example, kindness, I believe, and this is the subject of this new book that I wrote with my colleague Courtland Dahl, Born to Flourish, qualities like kindness are innate.”
“And one of the things that um we talk about in this new book Born to Flourish is a lot of people have a really difficult time coming up with a with really being able to do this daily.”
Andrew Huberman — 1 mention
“We'll put a link to that, but Born to Flourish, How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving by you and we should give credit to your co-author.”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“He has, of course, authored some of the most impactful research papers on these topics, but also popular books, including a new book coming out later this month entitled Born to Flourish: How to Thrive in a Challenging World, which I myself look forward to reading.”