With insight and acuity, DeSteno chronicles the lifespan of religious rituals and traditions from birth to death. He explains how:

• The Japanese Shinto rituals surrounding childbirth help insulate mothers from postpartum depression.

• Buddhist meditation reduces hostility and increases compassion when we need it most.

• The Jewish practice of sitting shiva reduces the pain associated with grief.

• The Christian practice of saying grace before meals increases empathy.

• When strangers move in synchrony with each other (a major part of many religious rites), they become more loyal and committed to each other almost immediately.

• The Apache Sunrise Ceremony makes teenage girls better able to face the rigors of womanhood

• And more.

The best part is, you don’t need to be religious to benefit from the treasure trove of wisdom that religion has to offer. Many items in religion’s “toolbox” work on the mind outside of belief. Using cutting edge science, DeSteno shows how to incorporate some of these practices to help all of us live more meaningful, successful, and satisfying lives.