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Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way Paperback – October 18, 2011

by Dan Buettner (Author)

4.4 out of 5 stars

251 ratings

What is it that makes us happy? It's not money, youth beauty, intelligence, or wealth as claimed by Dan Buettner. Actually, the majority of us have all the keys in our hands. Travelling around the world to study the most contented populations in the world, Buettner has spotted several fundamental principles that could open the door to true happiness in our daily lives. In collaboration with top research, Buettner identifies the happiest region across four continents. He explains why these people declare that they are happier than others and what they can help us all about finding happiness. The conclusions he offers debunk the most common myths about happiness that claim people with children happier than those without children? It's not necessarily true. In Western societies, having children actually reduces happiness. Does gender equality play a role? Are the most happy places in the world to be found on tropical islands that have gorgeous beaches? You could be amazed at the findings of Buettner's study. The story behind the story of each "hotspot" like a good mystery, Buettner reveals how he came across each area and explores the area to meet people who represent each distinct type of happiness. He introduces content, happy people from Denmark as well as Singapore and in northeastern Mexico and in the general "happiest place in America." He also interviews sociologists, psychologists, economists as well as writers, politicians along with other specialists to look an understanding of the factors that contribute to happiness in each of the regions and happiness, starting with an understanding of the Danish notion of Hygge that is the term used to describe an atmosphere of comfort and comfort, to the Mexican enjoyment of laughter. Buettner's research yields an acceptable, cross-cultural model and a concrete plan to assist us in laying the foundation to increase happiness and satisfaction from life. According to the Buettner advisory team that the average person is able to influence around 40 percent of their personal happiness by making the right choices. They're not unreasonable demands on one's lifestyle and often only require small modifications. They are categorized into 3 categories which comprise the ways we live our lives including the food we eat and our exercise routine and the social connections that we create. It's all about nutrition for the body as well as the soul. Knowing the secrets of the stars of happiness around the world will help us make the right decisions to achieve more happiness in our own lives, and discover how to live a life of joy

All Day Reader

5.0 out of 5 stars

You'll Find Yourself Citing the Book All the Time

Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2010

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I have followed Dan Buettner's work closely since I first met him at an event where he spoke inspirationally about his travels by bicycle around the world. A lot of travelers collect places like trophies and then move on. Not dan Buettner. He looks and listens closely while he is there and long after he's gone the sights and sounds play in his understanding like essential pieces in the puzzle that is life on Earth. He holds them, turns them, figures them out and then in his insightful, readable and companionable books his puts the pieces together to create pictures of the most meaningful elements of human existence. In Blue Zones it was life itself, and in the fascinating, brave new volume Thrive it is happiness in our lives. There are many counter-intuitive, and perhaps hard to hear lessons on what makes places happy. Often happiness collides with our idealistic views of ourselves, often our happiness is not the kind that economists have easy times with and, most often, happiness makes us thrive in ways we may not have understand until DB offers us the mirror. This is a global book at what makes people flourish. It is about us and what we do for each other. It is humane. It is essential. It is about beauty. I find myself rereading it, citing it and being inspired by it.

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Laurie

5.0 out of 5 stars

Arrived on time in great condition.

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2019

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I needed this book for a class. I don't like spending a lot of money on books I may not use again. This book is exactly what I needed - used, a good price and arrive in the condition described. Would recommend!

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bucknut

5.0 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2012

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I love this book! I love his ted talk. As a positive psychology educator and psychotherapist, I highly recommend Thrive. Read Thrive learn about what the research shows truly makes us happier, what nations, and regions around the world have learned and put into practice in their lives to live longer and live fulfilling lives. Spoiler: other people matter, as Chris Peterson famously put it. There's more to it of course but take away that people matter and you will live a happier, healthier life.

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Mitch Pelley

5.0 out of 5 stars

Wonderful read, especially for those of us, past middle age!

Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2013

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Wonderful Read! Very informative, about long living throughout the world, even the U.S. has a zone or two to be explored! What I found most interesting was that the culture of the peoples in out of the way places Worldwide had one specific thing in common to their Longevity! Religious belief! This is one of the best books I've ever read, in recent yrs., Dan Buettner, has outdone himself on this one!

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MWM

5.0 out of 5 stars

Thrive

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2011

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I have enjoyed reading this book. The research and information force you to start thinking about the American approach to life. I learned about a few countries and what help their people to thrive and I have started making changes to help my family to thrive. I believe this is a great book to read if you are ready to make some changes in your life and get out of the race "to keep up with the Jones".

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Theresa Kelly

5.0 out of 5 stars

Who are the happiest people in the world, by country, and why!

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2016

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This was an excellent study that Dan undertook to find the happiest people in the world and why they are/were happy. FYI - it had nothing to do with money, power or outward appearances of success!!!!

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firecrackerxc

5.0 out of 5 stars

Great book!

Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2020

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I read this book for a recreation class. I liked it so much that I recommended it to a friend and she's reading it now. Great book!

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nanasam

5.0 out of 5 stars

Finding true happiness

Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2015

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Amazing book! I am truly inspired to take up the challenge. Encouraging and uplifting. Even if you can't make all of these changes in your life, few of us could, there are many ideas you can implement to have a longer, happier and more fulfilling life. A great read.

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Buystoomuch

5.0 out of 5 stars

Necessary Information.

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2015

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Extremely interesting and something every person who cares about each other much less the world, or at least your family, should read.

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R. McLEOD

5.0 out of 5 stars

It makes me want to visit these Happiness areas

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2012

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I have set a goal to live for a couple of months in Denmark. Dan writes in a way that makes you want to visit each of these countries or Blue Zones so he says.

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Paige Jarrell

5.0 out of 5 stars

Love this book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2017

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I loved reading about the happiest places on Earth! I found it to be interesting and uplifting. I would definitely recommend it!!

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Jennifer etnyre

5.0 out of 5 stars

I also liked finding out the things that made up a happy ...

Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2014

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This book was very interesting. I was interested by the places that were listed and why they were there. I also liked finding out the things that made up a happy place to live and how they differed from each other according to their priorities.

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David Couchman

5.0 out of 5 stars

politicians should be forced to read this book

Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2013

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People are happy from well-thought policies by the state, not just the opportunities for being able to be rich. The US has allowed corporations, through advertising, to warp our thinking by pounding us with the message that we will only be happy if we buy more products. Buettner offers another way to pursue.

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