The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places on Earth, by Eric Weiner
In The Geography of Bliss, Eric Weiner takes us on a global adventure that's both hilarious and thought-provoking. Ever wondered if some places on Earth are just happier than others? Weiner did, and he set out to find the answer by visiting some of the world's most joyful (and miserable) countries.
From Bhutan, where they actually measure happiness as a national statistic, to Moldova, apparently the grumpiest place on the planet, Weiner's journey is anything but dull. He hops from the icy landscapes of Iceland to the bustling streets of India, and from the serene temples of Thailand to the opulent cities of Qatar.
What makes this book stand out is how Weiner blends his witty observations with genuine attempts to understand what makes people tick. He doesn't just scratch the surface; he dives deep into each culture, trying to uncover the secret ingredients of happiness. While The Geography of Bliss doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all formula for contentment, it does something better. It makes you laugh, think, and maybe even rethink what happiness means to you.
“Only a fool or philosopher would make sweeping generalizations about the nature of happiness. I am no philosopher, so here goes: Money matters, but less than we think and not in the way that we think. Family is important. So are friends. Envy is toxic. So is excessive thinking. Beaches are optional. Trust is not. Neither is gratitude.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Eric Weiner is an American journalist, author, and speaker known for his travel writing and exploration of cultural and philosophical topics. He gained wide recognition for his bestselling book The Geography of Bliss, which chronicles his search for the world's happiest places, and has since written other popular works including The Geography of Genius and The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers.
Weiner has written a number of articles for NPR. We particularly like the article on the technology of books and the impact on the book store. Click here to read this article.
The Geography of Bliss is on our list of the best travel books. Discover all of our recommendations by clicking through to our summary of the absolute best in travel writing.
Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book
Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book
Book image links to go Amazon. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.