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16 Guidelines for A Happy Life: The Basics
The 16 Guidelines are a set of practical and straightforward tools for developing happiness and meaning in everyday life. Inspired by a 7th century text from the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, they are being used by people of all ages and cultures worldwide to transform problems and create the causes of peace and wellbeing. 16 The Basics is the essential user manual for the 16 Guidelines. It's an attractive, illustrated workbook with quotes, stories, challenges and guided reflections for each guideline, together with an overview of each of the four wisdom how we think (the power of the mind); how we act (cause and effect); how we relate to others (interdependence) and how we find meaning (impermanence). Each of the Guidelines is associated with a role model whose life story exemplifies that quality. The book is spiral-bound and lies open for easy hands-free use.
148 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2009
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August 21, 2025
The 16 guidelines are not wrong at all; in fact, they are simple concepts that can positively influence your perspective and guide you toward a happier life. I found the real-life activities listed at the end of each chapter quite interesting, as they provide practical ways to apply the guidelines on a daily basis.
The main issue I found with this book lies in how each concept is developed. Some chapters lose track of the original idea, while others feel forced, particularly in the way a personality is linked to the concept. On this last point, I must express my dissatisfaction: many of the personalities highlighted are globally regarded as earnest people, yet with just a little research you discover that their lives actually contradict the values they are meant to represent. In other cases, the connection simply feels unnatural.
I only read this book because I had no other option, and honestly, I would not recommend it. If you are interested in these ideas, there are other resources that explore them with more depth and consistency.
The main issue I found with this book lies in how each concept is developed. Some chapters lose track of the original idea, while others feel forced, particularly in the way a personality is linked to the concept. On this last point, I must express my dissatisfaction: many of the personalities highlighted are globally regarded as earnest people, yet with just a little research you discover that their lives actually contradict the values they are meant to represent. In other cases, the connection simply feels unnatural.
I only read this book because I had no other option, and honestly, I would not recommend it. If you are interested in these ideas, there are other resources that explore them with more depth and consistency.
Displaying 1 of 1 review