Description

Book Synopsis

Pleasure is one of the most fascinating aspects of being human. But what is it?

Exploring child development, philosophy, neuroscience and behavioural economics, Paul Bloom uncovers how universal habits explain what we like and why we like it.


The average Briton spends over a day a week watching television. People slow their cars to look at gory accidents and go to sentimental movies that make them cry. Some men pay good money to be spanked by prostitutes.

In this revealing and witty account, Paul Bloom examines the science behind these curious desires, attractions and tastes, exploring one of the most fascinating and fundamental engines of human behaviour.


How Pleasure Works has one of the best discussions I''ve read of why art is pleasurable, why it matters to us, and why it moves us so' Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on Music



Trade Review
The book inside is an even better book than the one the title promises... Bloom is a superb writer. His gift is in writing beautifully but plainly, and anticipating everything a reader will need to know in order to appreciate the point he will ultimately make...it was a great pleasure to read * Globe and Mail (Canada) *
Paul Bloom is among the deepest thinkers and clearest writers in the science of mind today. He has a knack for coming up with genuinely new insights about mental life...and making them seem second nature through vivid examples and lucid explanations -- Steven Pinker
Bloom is a serious professional who knows his stuff -- Michael Bywater * Literary Review *
Thoughtful and entertaining * Times Literary Supplement *
Bloom's book is different from the slew already out there about happiness. No advice here about how to become happier by organising your closets; Bloom is after something deeper than the mere stuff of feeling good -- Robin Heniq * The Scotsman *

How Pleasure Works

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Paul Bloom

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of How Pleasure Works by Paul Bloom

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 02/06/2011
      ISBN13: 9780099548768, 978-0099548768
      ISBN10: 0099548763

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Pleasure is one of the most fascinating aspects of being human. But what is it?

      Exploring child development, philosophy, neuroscience and behavioural economics, Paul Bloom uncovers how universal habits explain what we like and why we like it.


      The average Briton spends over a day a week watching television. People slow their cars to look at gory accidents and go to sentimental movies that make them cry. Some men pay good money to be spanked by prostitutes.

      In this revealing and witty account, Paul Bloom examines the science behind these curious desires, attractions and tastes, exploring one of the most fascinating and fundamental engines of human behaviour.


      How Pleasure Works has one of the best discussions I''ve read of why art is pleasurable, why it matters to us, and why it moves us so' Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on Music



      Trade Review
      The book inside is an even better book than the one the title promises... Bloom is a superb writer. His gift is in writing beautifully but plainly, and anticipating everything a reader will need to know in order to appreciate the point he will ultimately make...it was a great pleasure to read * Globe and Mail (Canada) *
      Paul Bloom is among the deepest thinkers and clearest writers in the science of mind today. He has a knack for coming up with genuinely new insights about mental life...and making them seem second nature through vivid examples and lucid explanations -- Steven Pinker
      Bloom is a serious professional who knows his stuff -- Michael Bywater * Literary Review *
      Thoughtful and entertaining * Times Literary Supplement *
      Bloom's book is different from the slew already out there about happiness. No advice here about how to become happier by organising your closets; Bloom is after something deeper than the mere stuff of feeling good -- Robin Heniq * The Scotsman *

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