every year, a group of experts meets to assess the global state of happiness. The result, the World Happiness Report, is published on March 20, the International Day of Happiness.
You are reading: Books for bettering yourself
This sounds like a good thing, but since 2005, overall happiness is declining while negative feelings like sadness and anger are on the rise. what is worse is the tendency for more young people to experience mental illness, addictions and their consequences. To some extent, this is understandable.
It’s hard to stay mentally afloat with everything going on in the world these days. no wonder we can figure each other out at the slightest problem. but then we feel bad about not knowing how to handle it all and sink even deeper into unhappiness.
How do we stop this spiral? how can we actively combat our common enemy? what do we have to stop doing? And what habits will allow us to harness the power of happiness?
Dozens of books can help educate us about happiness from a multitude of perspectives. we can take the point of view of science, history, philosophy, mindfulness, and spirituality.
In four-minute books, we’ve hand-summarized over 1,000 books. While we were at it, we learned a thing or two about happiness and tracked down which experts and books have the greatest potential to add more joy to your life.
If you want to be happier, consider the following 33 books, sorted by category. For each one, we’ve included our favorite quote, a one-sentence summary, our three key takeaways, and a few points on why you might want to read it. use the clickable table of contents below to jump to any book or category.
here are the 33 best books on happiness of all time – they will change your life forever!
best books on happiness in general
1. solve for happy by mo gawdat
favorite quote
“If you can afford your brain cycles to worry about the future, then, by definition, you have nothing to worry about right now. right now, you’re fine. — mo gawdat
the book in a sentence
solve for happy presents a formula for happiness from the old google engineers, showing you what our default state is and how to overcome the obstacles we face to stay in it.
why should you read it?
sometimes, it takes a tragedy to understand that happiness is a choice. mo gawdat knows. She lost Ali, her 21-year-old son. he taught himself to choose happiness over sadness despite everything. What made Gawdat’s choice obvious was the formula he and everyone else had been working on for years: “Happiness is equal to or greater than the events in your life minus your expectations of what life should be like.” this amazing book shows you why your perspective, more than anything else, determines your happiness.
key takeaways
- your inner voice is not your true self.
- many cognitive filters prevent you from seeing the whole world around you.
- it doesn’t matter if life is good or bad. bad, staying in the present always makes you feel happier with it.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
2. stumbling on happiness by dan gilbert
favorite quote
“The secret to happiness is variety, but the secret to variety, like the secret to all spices, is knowing when to use it.” — dan gilbert
the book in a sentence
Stumbling on Happiness examines our brain’s ability to fill in gaps and simulate experiences, shows how our lack of awareness of these powers sometimes leads us to wrong decisions, and how we can change our behavior to synthesize our own happiness.
why should you read it?
This book examines how your brain tries to lie to you, specifically about what will happen in the future. Dan Gilbert’s years of research show how our minds trick us into worrying, making us unhappy with our decisions before we even make them. It turns out that a big key to happiness is figuring out how to tell the difference between fact and fiction!
key takeaways
- Your brain is really bad at filling in the blanks, but keep trying.
- You should always compare products based on value, never price.
- bad experiences are better than no experience.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
3. shawn achor’s happiness advantage
favorite quote
“I don’t give a damn if it’s half full or half empty —as long as I can fill it.” — shawn achor
the book in a sentence
The Happiness Advantage turns happiness on its head by showing that it is a tool for success rather than the result of it, sharing seven practical principles you can use to increase both.
why should you read it?
shawn achor’s research reveals the lies of the conventional wisdom that hard work and success lead to happiness. it is identified, with science, that happiness comes first, then you will be successful. this book points out several ways you can start being happier right now.
key takeaways
- happiness comes before success, not after it.
- you can train yourself to be optimistic with the “tetris effect”.
- fall instead of falling.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
4. jonathan haidt’s happiness hypothesis
favorite quote
“love and work are for people what water and sunlight are for plants”. — jonathan haidt
the book in a sentence
The Happiness Hypothesis is the most comprehensive analysis of how you can find happiness in our modern society, backed by a wealth of scientific research, real-life examples, and even a literal formula for happiness.
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why should you read it?
This book dives into the neurological aspects that contribute to happiness with a twist. Rather than lose himself in medical terms, Haidt employs the memorable analogy of a rider on an elephant. the metaphor shows how we can harness our brains to make ourselves happy. More importantly, you’ll learn to develop habits of thought and relationship that will lead to long-term happiness.
key takeaways
- surround yourself with the people you love the most and live by reciprocity
- do the work that matters to you.
- find a partner who is by your side Through sun and rain.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
5. bloom by martin seligman
favorite quote
“I am trying to broaden the scope of positive psychology far beyond the smiley face. happiness is only a fifth of what human beings choose to do.” — Martin Seligman
the book in a sentence
flourish establishes a new wellness model rooted in positive psychology, based on five key pillars to help you create a happy life through the power of simple exercises.
why should you read it?
martin seligman is the father of positive psychology. Before his work, brain science was based solely on problems of the mind. Seligman changed that with his research. it is one of the best sources for overcoming dysfunctional thought patterns. This book stands out with simple yet powerful exercises that he can do right away to improve his happiness.
key takeaways
- a life of deep fulfillment is based on the acronym perma.
- simple exercises in positivity can have life-changing effects.
- iq is not everything — success is based on character traits, not just intelligence.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best books on happiness for beginners
6. the power of no by james altucher
favorite quote
“when you get in the mud with a pig, you get dirty and the pig is happy”. — james altucher
the book in a sentence
The Power of No is a comprehensive how-to manual on how to use the power of a small word to get healthy, shake off bad relationships, embrace abundance, and ultimately say yes to yourself.
why should you read it?
Ultimately, this book isn’t about saying no, though you’ll get plenty of advice on how to do it. The benefit of this book lies in learning how to eliminate unnecessary things from your life so that you can say yes to yourself. is full of practical advice to rid your life of what brings you down, which will make you feel freer and happier.
key takeaways
- Qualify your regulars to say no to the wrong people.
- Stop doing things you don’t like and everyone will be better off.
- Say no to scarcity to go beyond the “glass half full”.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
7. don’t worry about the little things by richard carlson
favorite quote
“success is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness”. — ricardo carlson
the book in a sentence
don’t worry about the little things (…and they’re all little things) will keep you from letting the little things drive you crazy, like your email inbox, rushing to trains, and annoying co-workers, and help you find peace and calm in a stressful world.
why should you read it?
This book spent 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. If you’ve ever rushed through traffic only to end up next to the same person you passed a few miles back, this book could change your life. It will open your mind to the idea of letting go of the unimportant things that society has taught us to consider vital. the author left a great legacy that lasts in this good book.
key takeaways
- Remember that your life is not an emergency.
- Give others a break, especially when they don’t deserve it.
- Don’t put off relaxation.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
8. happier at home by gretchen rubin
favorite quote
“I’m living my real life, this is it. now is now and if I waited to be happier, waited to have fun, waited to do the things I know I should do, I might never get the chance.” —gretchen rubin
the book in a sentence
happier at home is a how-to manual for transforming your home into a castle of happiness by discovering what needs to be changed, what needs to stay the same, and embrace the gift of family.
why should you read it?
This book is the result of the author feeling homesick while standing in her own kitchen. Knowing it was time to make some changes, she worked hard for the next nine months to improve her home and her family life. She investigates four themes that contribute to a happy home: time, possessions, parenting, marriage, and family. reading this book will help you feel happy at home.
key takeaways
- get rid of clutter.
- don’t react to problems.
- know your neighbors.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
9. how to stop worrying and start living by dale carnegie
favorite quote
“Let’s not get angry over little things that we should despise and forget. remember: life is too short to be small”. — dale carnegie
the book in a sentence
how to stop worrying and start living is a self-help classic that addresses one of the leading causes of physical illness - worry - by showing you simple, practical techniques to eliminate it from your life.
why should you read it?
This book is a classic on identifying obstacles to happiness and how to remove them. no one likes to worry, it’s a joy killer, but it has a number of different causes. Having sold six million copies, this book can help you deal with all kinds of negative emotions like confusion, stress, grief, and criticism.
key takeaways
- Use a 3-step approach to dealing with confusion and you’ll eliminate worry about it.
- Put a stop-loss to stress and grief.
- take criticism as compliments.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best books on happiness for advanced students
10. happiness by richard layard
favorite quote
“competition for status is a zero-sum game.” — ricardo layard
the book in a sentence
happiness will teach you how our desire for it developed, what its benefits are, why money actually harms our happiness and where it really comes from, and how Western countries could easily increase their happiness with a few changes.
why should you read it?
The author of this book has been researching happiness for almost 50 years. takes a holistic approach to this emotion that we all seek. he will learn the history of happiness in mankind, what money has to do with it, and why higher taxes could, counterintuitively, be a good thing.
key takeaways
- Our ability to feel happiness is the result of evolution, we weren’t always capable of feeling happy.
- More money actually makes you less happy, unless you live in poverty.
- One of the simplest ways for Western countries to increase happiness would be to raise taxes.
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See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
11. everything is fucked up by mark manson
favorite quote
“Hopelessness is the root of anxiety, mental illness and depression. it is the source of all misery and the cause of all addiction.” — mark manson
the book in a sentence
Everything’s Fucked explains what’s wrong with our approach to happiness, providing philosophical suggestions that make our lives worth living.
why should you read it?
See Also: Sharon McCone Books in Order: How to read Marcia Muller&039s series? – How To Read Me
despite the clickbait title, mark manson keeps his promise. this is “a book about hope”. Manson argues that trying to avoid pain and discomfort makes us unhappier than simply accepting and dealing with the negative aspects of our lives. It shows us that it’s okay not to be great all the time, and that having a more detached attitude will make us happy without relying as much on the outside.
key takeaways
- pure logic will not help you make the best decisions, a balanced brain will.
- hope will not solve your problems, it takes acceptance and principles to do it.
- The solution to mental illness is not to pursue happiness, it is to achieve true freedom from our addictions and dependencies.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
12. If you’re so smart, why aren’t you happy? from Dr. raj raghunathan
favorite quote
“Although happiness is a very important goal for most people, they also seem to devalue it as they go through life. that is, people seem to routinely sacrifice happiness for the sake of other goals.” -dr raj raghunathan
the book in a sentence
If you’re so smart, why aren’t you happy? guides you through the seven deadly sins of unhappiness, which will show you just how small the correlation between success and happiness really is and help you avoid chasing the wrong things in your short time here on earth.
why should you read it?
This book is the sequel to the most popular course on the Coursera online learning platform in 2015. The author, Dr. Rajagopal Raghunathan, went on a quest to find out why so many of his intelligent friends were unhappy. he discovered that we shouldn’t deprioritize happiness, but we also can’t be too desperate to pursue it. This book summarizes his ideas and findings.
key takeaways
- The first step on the road to happiness is not to devalue it.
- Don’t despair in your search for love and strong relationships.
- Happiness is knowing what you want but don’t mind not getting it for a while.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
13. a guide to the good life by william b. irvine
favorite quote
“The easiest way to achieve happiness is to learn to desire the things we already have”. — William B. irvine
the book in a sentence
A Guide to the Good Life is a roadmap to Stoicism, showing you how to cultivate this ancient philosophy, why it’s useful, and what Stoics are really about.
why should you read it?
We’re not the first humans to think about what it takes to be happy, and we certainly won’t be the last. This book dives into the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and how it can help us live better lives. The author gives many first-hand examples of how these principles are improving his life, and in practicing them over several years, both Luke and I have found the same thing.
key takeaways
- the two main values of stoicism are virtue and tranquility.
- learn to want what you already have.
- immediately accept things that are out of your control and focus. about what it can do.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best happiness books (positive thinking)
14. the power of positive thinking by norman vincent peale
favorite quote
“the way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind free from worries. live simple, expect little, give much. scatter the sunlight, forget about yourself, think about others. try this for a week. you will be surprised.” — norman vincent peale
the book in a sentence
The power of positive thinking will teach you how to believe in yourself, break the habit of worrying and take control of your life by mastering your thoughts and changing your attitude.
why should you read it?
This book was on the New York Times bestseller list for 186 weeks. for 48 of them, it ranked first. it was translated into 40 languages and has sold five million copies. Peale uses affirmation and visualization to develop a positive mental attitude, practices that are as strong today as they were in 1952, the original year of the book’s publication. an “old but golden” read.
key takeaways
- start with confidence and watch your problems shrink.
- your world is nothing more than the thoughts you have about your experiences.
- to live carefree, First, imagine a carefree life.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
15. loving what is by byron katie
favorite quote
“I am a lover of what is, not because I am a spiritual person, but because it hurts when I argue with reality.” —byron katie
the book in a sentence
loving what is gives you four simple questions to change negative thoughts, change the way you react to events and people that stress you out, and learn to love reality as it is.
why should you read it?
byron katie realized something powerful at age 43. she had been battling mental illness and anger issues for 10 years. One morning, she woke up and asked: what if I didn’t believe my own negative thoughts? with a few simple questions, like “is this thought true?” and “who would I be without this thought?” she completely changed her life. after letting go of destructive thought patterns, all she was left with was joy and gratitude that she was alive. a powerful case study and proof that we can all change — even in a single day.
key takeaways
- You can overcome stress by analyzing your thoughts with four simple questions.
- Give yourself more options to think differently by changing your thoughts.
- You cannot change reality by feel frustrated by her.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
16. wired for happiness by rick hanson
favorite quote
“taking just a few extra seconds to lock in a positive experience — even comfort in a single breath — you’ll turn a fleeting state of mind into lasting neural structure.” —rick hanson
the book in a sentence
happiness programming tells you what you can do to overcome your negativity bias (focusing on and exaggerating negative events ) by savoring, amplifying and prioritizing the good things in your life to be happier.
why should you read it?
It’s easy to obsess over the negative. if you evaluate what’s going on in your mind right now, you’ll quickly find several things that “don’t work.” By identifying why we dwell on bad events and feelings so long, Hanson helps us change these patterns. he suggests that our brains are like Velcro for bad experiences and Teflon for good ones. His advice will keep your happy memories alive, while the negative ones will slide off like water from a duck’s back.
key takeaways
- the reason you react stronger to bad things is that you (could) have a “sad tonsil”.
- start a “good year box” to remember positive events all time .
- create an endless flow of positivity from your memories, small details and being generous.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best books on happiness (psychology)
17. the happiness equation by neil pasricha
favorite quote
“Motivation does not provoke action. action causes motivation.” —neil pasricha
the book in a sentence
The Happiness Equation reveals nine scientifically backed secrets to happiness to show you that if you want nothing and do anything, you can have it all.
why should you read it?
This book eliminates the unimportant factors of life that we think are vital. Pasricha teaches us to love the little things in life that have great potential to make us happy. In total, it includes nine different tips to help you be happier. you may have heard of a few before, but their unique delivery makes even those a good reminder.
key takeaways
- The Germans invented retirement and the Japanese found a cure: ikigai.
- Do something called the “Saturday morning test” to mend your relationship with the most important person in your life : you.
- Ignore most of the advice, including that in this book.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
18. the gretchen rubin happiness project
favorite quote
“the days are long, but the years are short”. —gretchen rubin
the book in a sentence
the happiness project will show you how to change your life without uprooting it, thanks to the findings of modern science, ancient history and popular culture, which the author put to the test for a year.
why should you read it?
one day, rubin realized that he was working hard, but not on what would ultimately matter to him at the end of his life. he hit pause and did happiness experiments for a year. the result is this incredible book full of practical advice.
key takeaways
- clean your house and your brain, because all the clutter wears us out.
- accept that you can only change yourself and that what you do every day is the most important thing to build better relationships.
- Money is like health — it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be happy, but not having to worry about it makes your life so much easier.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
19. the little book of hygge by meik wiking
favorite quote
“paraphrasing one of the greatest philosophers of our time, winnie the pooh, when asked how to spell a certain emotion: ‘you don’t write it, you feel it’”. — meik wiking
the book in a sentence
the little book of hygge is about how to cultivate the hard to describe but powerful Danish attitude to life, which consistently helps the country rank among the happiest in the world.
why should you read it?
meik wiking is the executive director of the happiness research institute. He is also from Denmark, which was ranked #1 in the 2013-2016 World Happiness Report. hygge may sound strange, but this noun, adjective and verb represents a way of life for the Danes, or rather a way of happiness. wiking takes us through all the meanings behind this word and explains how Danish culture has made it the happiest place on earth.
key takeaways
- hygge is a special approach to happiness: a mood, a feeling, even an activity.
- atmosphere is a big part of hygge, so you have to make an effort conscious to create the environment for it.
- you can live and experience hygge anywhere and anytime, it’s limitless.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
20. habits of a happy brain by loretta graziano breuning
favorite quote
“You can increase your pleasure if you are willing to do things that don’t feel good at first.” — loretta breuning
the book in a sentence
Habits of a Happy Brain explains the four neurotransmitters in your brain that create happiness, why you can’t be happy all the time, and how you can rewire your brain by taking responsibility for your own hormones.
why should you read it?
endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin. these are the four chemicals that regulate our moods and greatly contribute (or detract) from our happiness. this book explains them in a way that we can understand them and, more importantly, use them to be happier.
key takeaways
- Unhappy chemists are just as important as happy ones.
- Nothing will make you happy forever.
- Living means constantly choosing, so it’s important that you do . deliberately.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best happiness books (work)
21. the happiness of the search by chris guillebeau
favorite quote
“It’s your life, so why not be intentional about it?” — chris guillebeau
the book in a sentence
the happiness of the quest is a call to take control of your life by embarking on a quest that will fill your life with meaning, purpose, and lots of adventure.
why should you read it?
chris guillebeau wrote this book after visiting every country in the world. Can you imagine how much you would learn on a trip like this? Guillebeau took note of the people she met who had a mission of their own. After her return, she wrote this book to help you find yours and be happier doing it.
key takeaways
- when the world calls, listen.
- adjust your life to accommodate your search.
- your search will give you a purpose because it is a reward in and of itself same.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
22. ikigai by hector garcia & francesc miralles
favorite quote
“the essential thing for happiness in this life is something to do, something to love and something to hope for”. — Hector Garcia Puigcerver
the book in a sentence
ikigai explains how you can live a longer, happier life by having a purpose, eating healthy, and not retiring in the traditional sense.
why should you read it?
The book identifies how the Japanese use the principles of ikigai to build happy lives through purpose and health. the remarkable thing is that some of the oldest people in the world never retired. instead, they developed healthy habits, good relationships, and a meaningful career. this book explains how to start doing the same with a few simple questions.
key takeaways
- Purpose is a vital component of longevity and happiness.
- If you want to live a long life, follow the advice of some of the oldest people in the world.
- To stay healthy throughout your life, make sure you move enough.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best books on happiness (mindfulness)
23. the monk who sold his ferrari for robin sharma
favorite quote
“everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality”. — robin s. sharma
the book in a sentence
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a self-help classic that tells the story of fictional lawyer Julian Mantle, who sold his mansion and Ferrari to study the seven virtues of the sages of Sivana in the Himalayan mountains.
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why should you read it?
After fictional lawyer Julian Mantle suffers a stress-induced heart attack, he realizes he doesn’t need his Ferrari and sells it. instead of seeking worldly possessions, he begins to seek wisdom. what he eventually learns can teach us how to live a happier life by shifting our focus to what really matters. as of 2013, this book had sold over three million copies.
key takeaways
- Use the “Heart of the Rose” exercise to shield your mind from unwanted thoughts.
- Develop a simple 10-step morning routine with the “Ten Rituals of a Radiant Life” .
- selflessly serving others also makes you better off.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
24. the miracle of mindfulness by thich nhat hanh
favorite quote
“In mindfulness, one is not only calm and happy, but also alert and awake. meditation is not escape; it is a serene encounter with reality.” — no hanh
the book in a sentence
Miracle of Mindfulness teaches the ancient Buddhist practice of mindfulness and how living in the present will make you happier.
why should you read it?
depression is living in the past. anxiety is living in the future. peace, then, is living in the present. This great book is a helpful introduction to the world of mindfulness and the huge impact it can have on your happiness. the author is a world famous vietnamese monk and zen master. you will learn directly from the master of mindfulness.
key takeaways
- Learn to breathe correctly to start practicing mindfulness.
- Set aside one day a week to be mindful all day.
- Mindfulness is more than a mere rest; to get all its benefits, it requires the same attention as driving a car.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
25. the power of now by eckhart tolle
favorite quote
“realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. make now the main focus of your life.” — eckhart tolle
the book in a sentence
The power of now shows you that every minute you spend worrying about the future or regretting the past is a minute wasted because we can only live in the present and act in each moment as it happens.
why should you read it?
One night, Tolle had deeply depressing thoughts, wondering what made her life so difficult. in a moment of illumination, he realized that the answer lay in his “i” — the image of himself that his brain had created. when he woke up the next day, he felt reborn. he would finally let him go. His advice on how to better focus on the present is contained in this multi-million-copy bestseller.
key takeaways
- life is just a series of present moments.
- all pain is the result of resistance to things you cannot change.
- you can free yourself from pain by constantly watching your mind and not judging your thoughts.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
26. wherever you go, there you are by jon kabat-zinn
favorite quote
“Meditation is the only intentional and systematic human activity, which at bottom is not about trying to improve or get anywhere else, but simply realizing where you already are”. — jon kabat-zinn
the book in a sentence
Wherever you go, they explain what mindfulness is and why it’s not reserved for Zen practitioners and Buddhist monks, giving you simple ways to practice it in everyday life, both formally and informally, while helping you avoid obstacles on your way to a more conscious self.
why should you read it?
jon kabat-zinn is a legend in the mindfulness space. he studied with other experts, like thich nhat hanh. As zen and intriguing as the title sounds, the book connects the power of mindfulness with science. the advice it contains is simple, powerful, and easy to implement right away.
key takeaways
- Deliberately ignore your phone.
- If someone takes something from you, don’t let them take your mind too.
- Focus on your body and your senses during the mode automatic. behaviors.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
27. 10% happier by dan harris
favorite quote
“There is no point in being unhappy with the things you cannot change and there is no point in being unhappy with the things you can change”. — dan harris
the book in a sentence
10% Happier gives skeptics an easy way to “get started” with meditation by taking a very simple approach to the science behind this mindfulness practice and showing you how and why it’s important to let go your ego to live a stress free life. .
why should you read it?
former abc news correspondent dan harris broke out under the pressure of his job. after having a panic attack on live television, he investigated what was really important. The Westerner thoroughly researched mindfulness and then reported on useful ways even skeptics can adopt it to be happier.
key takeaways
- The problem with your ego is that it’s never satisfied.
- Be simple, not a fool — why letting go of your ego won’t make you a pushover.
- meditation increases your mindfulness and compassion by giving you a fourth habitual response: don’t judge.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best books on happiness (spirituality)
28. the art of happiness by hh dalai lama
favorite quote
“My religion is very simple. my religion is kindness.” — Dalai Lama
the book in a sentence
The Art of Happiness is the result of a psychiatrist interviewing the Dalai Lama on how he personally achieved inner peace, calm and happiness.
why should you read it?
According to one of the world’s most celebrated leaders, the Dalai Lama, happiness comes from training our minds and hearts to respond appropriately to the experiences we have. this book is the kind of message anyone can learn from, religious or not.
key takeaways
- You don’t have to be religious to be spiritual.
- The only constant is change.
- Know your limits.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
29. trying not to try by edward slingerland
favorite quote
“The conscious mind, without the foundation of the body’s wisdom, is remarkably incapable of taking care of business.” —edward slingerland
the book in a sentence
try not try explores ancient Chinese philosophy to break down the art of being spontaneous, which will help you unite your mind and body, achieve a state of flow, and flow through life like a leaf in a river.
why should you read it?
Sometimes, it feels like you’re attacking the branches of a problem instead of getting to the root. When it comes to happiness, there are many “tricks” that only work on the surface. this book takes a deeper approach to analyze what philosophy will make us happier. It’s not the end of the journey, but a useful first domino in a long chain of events that will make us happy.
key takeaways
- the concept of “flow” has existed for a long time in traditional Chinese philosophy and is called “wu-wei”.
- wu-wei is directly related to “of” and, Together, the two can guide you to a good life.
- To achieve wu-wei, you must be honest, especially with yourself, and then ruthlessly act on it.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
30. buddha’s brain by rick hanson
favorite quote
“only humans worry about the future, we regret the past and blame ourselves for the present”. —rick hanson
the book in a sentence
buddha’s brain explains how world-changing leaders like moses, mohammed, jesus, gandhi, and buddha used the power of their minds to become more positive, resilient, caring, and happy people—and how you can do the same .
why should you read it?
This book combines thinking tactics, mindfulness techniques, spirituality, and neuroscience. includes something for everyone, whether you’re already deeply immersed in mindfulness or just don’t like to meditate. Above all, this book will give you permission to catch your breath and not worry so much. it will free up space in your life so that you finally have room for peace and happiness.
key takeaways
- stop throwing “second darts” by not dwelling on your pain.
- practice composure so you don’t live in a state of constant desire.
- don’t identify with so many things to reduce their suffering.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
best happiness books (minimalism)
31. the more of less by joshua becker
favorite quote
“Our excessive possessions do not make us happy. worse still, they keep us away from the things they do. once we let go of the things that don’t matter, we are free to pursue all the things that really matter.” —Joshua Becker
the book in a sentence
more from less teaches you how to order your time, mind and physical spaces to pay more attention to the people and experiences that matter most.
why should you read it?
The premise of this book is simple: you have too much stuff. those things make you unhappy. get rid of it and you will be happier. Going further, the book explains how to get out of our consumer habits and why doing so will give us the space we crave to deal with the things that really matter to us.
key takeaways
- minimalism is about getting rid of the stuff that gets in the way of what’s important.
- ads have a powerful effect on our consumption habits.
- we can reject endless consumerism by donating our unwanted things, which will make us happy.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
32. minimalism by joshua fields millburn & ryan nicodemus
favorite quote
“You don’t have to settle for a mediocre life just because the people around you did.” – Joshua Millburn Fields & ryan nicodemus
the book in a sentence
minimalism is an instructional guide to the philosophy of less, explaining how it helped two men who had achieved the American dream put aside their possessions and the depressions that came with them.
why should you read it?
ryan and josh worked hard for their good jobs, cars, and houses. none of that made them happy. instead, the burden of debt crushed them. as a challenge, they changed their lifestyle, got rid of the things that held them back and became happier. This book is the result. will help you follow in his footsteps to live better.
key takeaways
- debt comes first. throw off your financial crutches to finally feel free.
- use the tolerate-accept-respect-appreciate (tara) method to become more accepting of other people in your life.
- you are not your work. don’t let your job define you.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
33. the life-changing magic of tidying up by marie kondo
favorite quote
“the question of what you want to have is really the question of how you want to live your life”. — marie kondo
the book in a sentence
The magic of tidying up is life changing and takes you through the process of simplifying, organizing and storing your belongings step by step to make your home a place of peace and clarity.
why should you read it?
konmari’s bestseller has sold over six million copies worldwide and spawned her own television show. the power behind this global phenomenon lies in the simplicity of its mantra: “does this create joy?” According to Marie Kondo, this single question can greatly improve our lives and homes.
key takeaways
- Go from easy to hard items when considering what to keep.
- iodine — only order once (if you do it right).
- ask yourself a few simple questions, like “does this generate joy?” for each item you consider throwing away.
See Also: 21 Songs Every Bookworm Will Love
If you’d like to learn more, you can read our free four-minute summary or grab a copy for yourself.
conclusion
We have summarized over 1,000 books to date, many of them about happiness. In our opinion, these are the best books on happiness to read this year.
get rid of material possessions, focus on the people around you, learn the science of happiness, and practice some of the advice in these books. By discovering which ones work for you and which ones don’t, you’ll be well on your way to a happier life.
don’t wait. happiness is an urgent matter. start reading some of the best books on happiness today!
“happiness is not something prefabricated. That comes from your own actions.” — Dalai Lama XIV
other book lists
Looking for more of the best books on various topics? here are all the book lists we’ve made for you so far:
See Also: 15 Wonderful Books About Community Helpers for Kids