The Key to Happiness: How to Find Purpose by Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Happiest People

Review

Prepare to love lykke, the Danish word for happiness and fortune, with The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking, whose Little Book of Hygge sold half a million copies. Wiking goes in search of the real meaning of happiness, and finds it has little to do with wealth. A funny, inspiring read (Psychologies)

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)

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)

About the Author

Meik Wiking founded the world's first Happiness Research Institute in 2011, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He consults cities, governments and organisations around the world on happiness. He has advised the Minister of State for Happiness in the UAE, the state of Jalisco in Mexico and the city of Goyang in South Korea, among others. He holds a degree in business and political science and has previously worked for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is the author of two globally bestselling books: The Little Book of Hygge and The Little Book of Lykke.