Happy: Secrets to Happiness from the Cultures of the World

by Lonely Planet

HAPPINESS. One word, nine letters, roughly seven billion definitions, one for each person on the planet. Share in the planet's lessons on youth, old age, love, death, work and family. This Lonely Planet title features fascinating insights into how happiness is created in different cultures, and how we can be happy too. Each lesson is uniquely illustrated and is designed to inspire.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Alexis Averbuck, Alex Leviton, Kate Thomas, Sarina Singh, Carolyn McCarthy, Virginia Jealous, Rebecca Milner, Kerry Christiani, Etain O'Carroll, Lisa Dunford, Gabi Mocatta, Michael Kohn, Ben Handicott, Dan Savery Raz, Jessica Lee, Sarah Baxter, Caroline Veldhuis, Bridget Blair, Emily Matchar, Piera Chen, Nigel Chin, Rose Mulready, Meredith Snyder, Craig Scutt, Gregor Clark.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Flexibound

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

OUR STORY
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at the airport, and because I had time, I sat down and read it. It's basically a collection of techniques that people around the world use (as a culture) for being more happy.

And they're all collected in this book for your personal convenience. I think it's awesome. This is a book I'd love to have in my house.

[Laura C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very beautiful book. Every page is a so-called wisdom from a place on this planet. The essence is taken and there is a description on how you can use this wise lesson in your (daily)life.

You can use it every day or every now and then when you want to refocus your life a bit.

My only comment is, that it could have gone more into depth. Sometimes, it seemes to be just a list of holidays around the globe and what the meaning is of each holiday. So at some point it felt like being a children's book dealing with multiculturalism.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book so long ago that it's just been sitting on my shelf. Honestly, being a Lonely Planet book, I didn't have high hopes for a profound look at the topic of happiness, and from the forward on, I wasn't wrong. I mean, I wasn't expecting research material, but this was so So shallow. It was a little disappointing too. But overall, there were some gems in here.

This is my Sun Book for the #BLOOMIN Readathon.

[Marie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf for almost 10 years. I'm so sad I didn't open it up sooner. It's a beautiful book, both visually and in the writing. I learned so much about cultures and what they do to harvest and nurture happiness. This is the right book at the right time as my book guru Anne Bogel likes to say. Timing is everything. READ.THIS!

[Alister · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read book about how different cultures have rituals which contribute to their happiness, and how you incorporate these into your own life at home. I quite enjoyed it as I didn't know of a lot of these before reading this book.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about how different cultures find, value, and celebrate happiness.

[Komi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy is a book that illustrates ways we can deal with the difficulties in life that often leave us disheveled. It looks at ways people from different cultures across the world attempt to become happy during times of difficulty and sadness.

The varying cultures across the world have found interesting ways to turn their frowns upside down. Some may be more effective than others but they all have the same goal in mind.

Here are some examples from the book that you can use if you ever want to change your mood:

1. Accept yourself (and others) for who you are. This basically means accepting your faults/weaknesses/differences and realizing that you are not perfect and that's fine. There are people out there who think you're amazing, such as your friends and family members.

2. Learn to be self sufficient in order to feel empowered.

Take control in areas you feel vulnerable in by taking on these challenges head on.

3. Forgive - don't let grudges poison you. You'll end up harming yourself more than you know.

4. Take a long view rather than an instant gratification approach to whatever it is you're doing. Sometimes what you do won't bring a smile to your face immediately but that's fine. If you wait long enough you may reap the benefits.

5. Be grateful for what you have. Some people do not get the opportunity to experience the things you do. The blind can't see. The mute can't speak. These are just some of the things we take for granted.

6. Connect with your spiritual side. This is pretty self explanatory. It involves you realizing that not everything is in your hands and that sometimes just accepting things for the way they are is the best way to approach life. Whether you believe it's because of God, mother nature, etc.

These are just a few of the options you have available. Never limit yourself when it comes to feeling optimal. Try, try, and try again until you're free like the wind, zooming across the world.