What do you think?
Rate this book
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
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
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.
Displaying 1 of 1 review