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A Theory of Happiness: Lessons from a 100 year old Korean Philosopher THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 29, 2026
War ganz süß, aber wenig überraschend nichts Bahnbrechendes. Viele Sachen können wir nicht kontrollieren, viele sind eine Frage der Perspektive. Manche, ich nenne sie mal Kurzgeschichten, fand ich nachvollziehbarer als andere, aber lived experience ist natürlich auch immer unterschiedlich.
In the end, the old man did not fix me up, aber immerhin hat er es versucht🦖
In the end, the old man did not fix me up, aber immerhin hat er es versucht🦖
March 10, 2026
One of the best self help books of recent times. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reviewed by Trish Palmer for Bluewolf Reviews and Bloomsbury Publishing.
Professor Kim Hyung Seok speaks to us of happiness from the perspective of an elderly and sharp mind. He has designed A Theory of Happiness so he can tell stories which outline the point he is making.
He recalls a time when he was at school and the Japanese had invaded Korea; his Headmaster was allowed to give a farewell speech. He was being removed because he hadn’t changed the curriculum. The headmaster stood on the stage, raised his fist and shouted, “ACT.” The boys were stunned but later became aware of the significance of his defiance.
Kim also believes that happiness is in the present. He suggests we don’t look for happiness in the future, or the past, but enjoy the moments we have day to day. He tells the story of a factory worker and his wife. The man loved art and so each weekend he and his wife would go to a park where he could paint, and she could read her books. The children played and moved between the parents. His point is that wealth is not necessary for a happy life.
Love is also a focus of Kim’s work. He says, “Where there is no love, happiness cannot dwell.” Initially Kim felt that Justice was the most important factor for world harmony but later he believed that it was love that was the epicentre of all happiness and peace.
Reading the stories that Kim has written, we see examples of how his explanations can be used to enhance his case. He insists that a cultural awareness is necessary for an understanding of life and we should all take the time to read and explore uplifting activities.
Professor Kim Hyung Seok speaks to us of happiness from the perspective of an elderly and sharp mind. He has designed A Theory of Happiness so he can tell stories which outline the point he is making.
He recalls a time when he was at school and the Japanese had invaded Korea; his Headmaster was allowed to give a farewell speech. He was being removed because he hadn’t changed the curriculum. The headmaster stood on the stage, raised his fist and shouted, “ACT.” The boys were stunned but later became aware of the significance of his defiance.
Kim also believes that happiness is in the present. He suggests we don’t look for happiness in the future, or the past, but enjoy the moments we have day to day. He tells the story of a factory worker and his wife. The man loved art and so each weekend he and his wife would go to a park where he could paint, and she could read her books. The children played and moved between the parents. His point is that wealth is not necessary for a happy life.
Love is also a focus of Kim’s work. He says, “Where there is no love, happiness cannot dwell.” Initially Kim felt that Justice was the most important factor for world harmony but later he believed that it was love that was the epicentre of all happiness and peace.
Reading the stories that Kim has written, we see examples of how his explanations can be used to enhance his case. He insists that a cultural awareness is necessary for an understanding of life and we should all take the time to read and explore uplifting activities.
May 12, 2026
A very well written book which throws light on daily issues from which one can derive so many beautiful lessons for life. It shows the ways wherein we can find happiness that already exists in our daily lives but somehow we fail to notice. Various issues related to life and, the associated happiness with it, that grows with human beings as they age and mature. Last part of the book “ The Night Train of Life” sums up the kind of life which a human being should live so as to be of some use to others. A highly recommended book for people of all ages.
May 1, 2026
Professor Kim’s century of lived experience gives this book a warmth and authenticity that’s hard to manufacture. His storytelling is gentle and moving, and his core message that happiness lives in the present, in love and simple moments, is genuinely beautiful.
It won’t satisfy readers looking for deep philosophical rigor, and some ideas feel familiar. But as a soft, unhurried reminder of what actually matters, it more than earns its place on the shelf.
It won’t satisfy readers looking for deep philosophical rigor, and some ideas feel familiar. But as a soft, unhurried reminder of what actually matters, it more than earns its place on the shelf.
Review of advance copy
When a hundred year old philosopher writes a book on life …. One doesn’t need to think but just read
April 18, 2026
Didn’t really grab me.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews