carl barney
Carl B. Barney - The Happiness Experiment
Carl B. Barney is a successful educational entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his commitment to advancing rational philosophy. He is an autodidact, self-taught, lifelong learner in a range of subjects focusing on philosophy, psychology, and management. His leadership and business strategies are influenced by his admiration for Aristotle and Ayn Rand, particularly Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, which Carl regards as the “philosophy for success.”
In 2014, he founded the Prometheus Foundation, which promotes rational philosophy and helps others discover and benefit from the principles that have shaped his success. He has served on the boards of several influential organizations, including the Ayn Rand Institute, the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism, and the Cato Institute.
In this book, Carl explores the concept of happiness through a philosophical yet practical lens. He believes that true happiness is not a spontaneous state but the result of deliberate planning and thoughtful consideration of what brings joy and fulfillment. The book introduces the innovative concept of “prequests”, a strategy for granting gratitude grants to those in one's will before death. This increases one’s own happiness and contributes to the happiness of others.
Carl B. Barney's life and work are a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and philosophy. Through his leadership, writings, and philanthropic initiatives, he continues to influence the cultural landscape, fostering enlightenment and success among individuals eager to learn and flourish.
Endorsements for The Happiness Experiment:
Jack Canfield
I love this book! I couldn’t put this book down; it’s a real page-turner. My wife actually got mad at me because it kept me up late at night reading it. I wanted to see what the next person did to increase their happiness. The lessons learned from this happiness experiment are something everyone can apply to their life. I promise if you read this book you’ll learn how to be happier.
— Jack Canfield Coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series and The Success Principles™.
— Jack Canfield, Coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series and The Success Principles™: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Peter Diamandis
One of the most compelling aspects of The Happiness Experiment is Barney’s concept of 'prequests'. This forward-thinking approach is exactly the kind of disruptive idea that resonates in our era of exponential change. It encourages a paradigm shift urging us to think bigger and act sooner in our pursuit of both personal fulfillment and positive impact.
— Peter H. Diamandis MD Founder & Chairman XPRIZE Foundation and Author of Abundance and Bold.
Peter Attia
Carl Barney's work beautifully reminds us that longevity isn't merely about extending our years but enriching them. The Happiness Experiment is an essential read for anyone looking to cultivate not just a longer life but a more joyful and fulfilling one.
— Peter Attia MD Author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity.
Alexander McCobin
What Carl lays out in this book isn't just a novel approach to giving away money, what he has named "pre-quests". It is a guide for the reader to lead a happier life by providing lessons, tools, stories, and a new mindset for what happiness means and how to achieve it. I was entertained by the relatable stories and empowered by the message. OR
If you’re looking to integrate your values with daily happiness, this book is a must-read. Mr. Barney redefines legacy and personal fulfillment, offering practical steps to creating happiness. I was entertained by the relatable stories and empowered by the message. The included Happiness Planning Workbook is a bonus. — Alexander McCobin CEO of Conscious Capitalism Inc.
Marcia Reynolds
Carl Barney has found a way to stimulate curiosity around the true meaning of happiness and then coach them to embody the full-hearted feeling of delight. This inspiring and practical book will help you integrate happiness into your daily life.
— Marcia Reynolds, PsyD, Author of Outsmart Your Brain and Coach the Person, Not the Problem.
John Allison
Carl is an extraordinary self-made entrepreneur who has realized in Aristotle’s context that “a life well lived” is the foundation for genuine happiness.
— John Allison: Retired Chairman and CEO BB&T and Retired President and CEO Cato Institute.
David Sokol
For those fortunate enough to have created an estate sizable enough to outlive the owner, The Happiness Experiment provides an outstanding opportunity to invert conventional wisdom regarding estate planning and wealth transfer. Rather than donating large sums of money to just enshrine one’s name upon a building, why not provide the seed capital to those most important in your life’s journey so their happiness can be witnessed? Carl’s book is a very enjoyable and thought-provoking read while causing genuine reflection on how best to create happiness in others during your own life. Remember, no one has ever seen an armored car at a funeral!
— David Sokol: Chairman of Teyton Capital, LLC and author of Pleased But Not Satisfied Co-author of America in Perspective defending the American Dream for future generations.