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  • Published: 7 March 2019
  • ISBN: 9780241368435
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 256

The Key to Happiness

How to Find Purpose by Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Happiest People




Happiness is just around the corner with this practical guide from happiness researcher Meik Wiking

Meik Wiking understands happiness better than anyone. In his role as Founder and CEO of the world's only Happiness Research Institute, he has travelled the globe interviewing the world's happiest people to discover the key components of happiness.

In The Key to Happiness, Meik explores the hidden treasures which can improve your happiness, and divides them into the six building blocks of happiness; togetherness, money, health, kindness, trust and freedom. For each happiness block he offers practical tips: for togetherness he encourages setting up a mini-library in your apartment building or starting a tool-sharing programme in your street; for kindness he suggests leaving a surprise gift on a stranger's doorstep, helping a tourist find their way or telling someone who means a lot to you that they do.

Drawing on social science, case studies and Meik's original research, this practical guide shows us that you can find happiness in a simple way of life. While Meik has travelled across the globe to discover the secrets of the world's happiest people, this book shows us that you can be just as happy where you are.

This book is the perfect guide on how to survive and navigate the modern world with a smile on your face.

  • Published: 7 March 2019
  • ISBN: 9780241368435
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 256

About the author

Meik Wiking

Meik Wiking founded the world's first Happiness Research Institute in 2013, in Copenhagen, Denmark and is a New York Times and Sunday Times Bestselling author. Meik has been called The Indiana Jones of Smiles and probably the World's Happiest Man by The Times.

He is the author of three globally bestselling books which have sold over 2 million copies worldwide: The Little Book of Hygge, The Little Book of Lykke and The Art of Making Memories.

Also by Meik Wiking

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Praise for The Key to Happiness

Travelling around the world, he learns what works best where and distils these lessons into a lovely life plan that celebrates community spirit, from communal gardening to dog sitting and the benefits of hanging out with friends and family

Sunday Express

Meik's new book looks further afield this time, identifying the keys to contentment from around the globe

Mail on Sunday

Wiking goes in search of the real meaning of happiness, and finds it has little to do with wealth. A funny, inspiring read

Sunday Express

An inspiring and highly engaging exploration of what really makes us happy, all underpinned by the latest research. Packed full of insights into what makes some societies happier than others as well as lots of practical action ideas that we can put into practice in our own lives. Highly recommended.

Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness and Author of Mindfulness

A wonderful guide to happy living. It's based on hard evidence and written with a wonderful sense of fun.

Richard Layard, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE and author of Happiness.

'The Key to Happiness shows what can happen when a good story teller gets his hands on fundamental research about what makes for happier lives. It contains a masterful survey of the key results from happiness research, a distillation of shrewd tips for improving the lives of those around you, and a brilliant world-wide selection of illustrated examples that deliver happy moments, of both the 'ah-ha' and 'ha-ha' types. It is a happy book about happiness, written with a twinkle and packaged with Danish style'

John Helliwell, Economist and Editor of the World Happiness Report

'Drawing on insights from psychology, the study of happiness and global data, Meik Wiking makes a strong case for why happiness matters and how, through practical activities, we can increase our own wellbeing'

Dr David Halpern, Chief Executive of the Behavioural Insights Team and author of The Hidden Wealth of Nations

'Happiness can be elusive, even for people who are mentally healthy. Many people, such as those with depression or anxiety who are struggling through darker times, may feel they want to give up the fight. That is why the charming and thought-provoking The Key to Happiness could lighten, guide and inspire so many'

Marjorie Wallace, CEO of SANE mental health charity