How can we take happiness seriously as an aim of education? Noddings discusses the contributions of making a home, parenting, cherishing a place, the development of character, interpersonal growth, finding work that one loves, and participating in a democratic way of life. She explores ways to make schools happy places.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 291-302) and index.

Part 1: Happiness as an aim of life and education -- Happiness -- Suffering and unhappiness -- Needs and wants -- The aims of education -- Part 2: Educating for a personal life -- Making a home -- Places and nature -- Parenting -- Character and spirituality -- Interpersonal growth -- Part 3: Educating for public life -- Preparing for work -- Community, democracy, and service -- Happiness in schools and classrooms.