these books right now.
The Little Book of Hygge (pronounced "Hooga"?) is subtitled Danish Secrets to Happy Living. The author and illustrator (charming little pictures) is Meik Wiking. Denmark holds the position of one of the happiest countries on Earth. Danes are often asked, "Why are Danes so happy?" The author studies happiness at a think tank titled appropriately Happiness Research Institute where they focus on well-being and quality of life and the causes and effects of human happiness.
This struck home with me: "To many, (the Danes' happiness) is quite a mystery, as besides the horrific weather, Danes are also subject to some of the highest tax rates in the world. Interestingly, there is wide support for the welfare state. The support stems from an awareness of the fact that the welfare model turns our collective wealth into well-being. We are not paying taxes, we are investing in our society. We are purchasing quality of life. The key to understanding the high levels of well-being in Denmark is the welfare model's ability to reduced risk, uncertainty, and anxiety among its citizens and to prevent extreme unhappiness." (Emphasis mine.)
Agree or disagree, it is surely something to ponder. Meanwhile, I will light a candle or two. ("No recipe for hygge is complete without candles.")
A big thanks to my friend Kay who gave me this book.
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