Happiness: Thriving by Dan Buettner – Self-Help Book Review – The Secrets to the World’s Happiest People
Internationally recognized researcher and explorer Dan Buettner founded Blue Zones™ to investigate the world’s best practices in health, longevity and happiness. His groundbreaking work on longevity led to his 2005 National Geographic cover story, “Longevity Secrets”.
After studying longevity, Buettner wondered if there are global places that promote happiness, similar to the Blue Zones that promote longevity. Buettner focused on people who rate themselves very happy (at least 8 on a scale of 10). They also believe that they will be happier in the next five years, an optimistic condition that the researchers describe as driving. He details his discoveries in his new book titled, Thrive: Finding happiness the blue zone style.
Start “The truth about happiness” Thrive, highlighting new science findings from happiness experts. They answer questions, including, “Do we have any control over our happiness?” and “Can money buy happiness?” Buettner then begins his journey across the world to discover the secrets of happiness.
Denmark is a country of 5.5 million people and one of the richest nations per capita in the world. Health care and education for life are free for all citizens; and the entire country has a low unemployment rate of 4 percent.
Anyone who makes $70,000 a year or more pays about 60 percent of their income in taxes. Danes accept this arrangement, which allows most residents to live moderately, with little disparity between rich and poor. Danes believe in the common good; and they disapprove of status seekers.
The Danes are trustworthy; believing in each other as well as in their government. It is not common to find baby carriages (with infants in tow); parked outside pedestrian businesses while parents shop.
Thirty-seven hour work weeks are standard, with 6 weeks of vacation. Family gatherings are important. Summer finds the Danes active outside and talking, rather than watching TV. The darkened 17-hour days of winter allow Danes to create candlelight events at home to relax.
Singapore, a forty-mile long Asian island nation, is home to 5.1 million people. It is one of the highest population densities in the world, with 19,000 people compressed vertically in every mile.
Singaporeans are workaholics and look for the five C’s: cash, credit card, car, condo and club membership. Over the past 40 years, the wealth of the average Singaporean has grown 11 times, the fastest growth of any economy in the world.
Residents willingly obey certain restrictions, such as chewing gum and smoking, imposed by their paternalistic government, in exchange for greater security and opportunity.
Like Denmark, Singapore has a low unemployment rate, with little differentiation between rich and poor. The government owns 84 percent of the island’s property.
Family ties are important, and the government provides tax subsidies to those who care for their elderly parents. Singaporeans trust the government, the police and other public officials; and are grateful for the positive things in their lives.
Despite having one of the highest disparities between rich and poor, Mexicans are happy people. They maintain a balance between earning a living and savoring life. They are able to laugh at difficulties, making illness, poverty and death more tolerable.
Family, health and faith in God (98 percent of Mexicans believe in a higher power) are important. Earning fair money is convenient for Mexicans. They seek simple satisfaction and count their blessings regularly. Being close to the equator, Mexico enjoys the sun bonus. Places with a sunnier climate are slightly happier than their northern counterparts.
The happiest people in America include the residents of San Luis Obispo, California. A college town of 44,000 California Polytech students who come with mostly middle-aged residents. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco; the area ranks first in the nation for overall emotional health.
Visionary urban planning in the 1960s today finds the city thriving around a central mission plaza, closed to traffic. The farmer’s market, orchestra, and pedestrian shops are among the town’s assets. This wealthy city is home to numerous non-profit and volunteer organizations.
Public health and recreation are cultural gems. In 1990, San Luis Obispo was the first region of the world prohibit smoking in the workplace, including bars. Drive-thru restaurants are also relegated to the outskirts of the city.
thrive The penultimate chapter, “Lessons for Thriving,” provides practical ways to increase your chances of long-term happiness. Buettner shapes them around six interconnected Prosperity Centers: Community, Workplace, Social Life, Financial Life, Home, and Self. Some of his ideas are suggestions to make sure you marry the right person, join a club, and grow a garden.
Buettner concludes with a special bonus chapter, titled “The Truth About Living Longer.” It is an excerpt from his book, The blue zones: lessons for living longer from the people who have lived the longest.
Who does not want to lead a happier and more authentic existence? Read Thrive and explore new ways to be happy throughout your life.
Visit the Buettner Blue Zones; and discover your own compass of true happiness at http://www.bluezones.com.