The best 100 Happy books

Based on the author’s blog and online manifesto, “A Brief Guide to World Domination,” The Art of Non-Conformity (2010) deals with ways of pursuing unconventional living and offers tools for setting your own rules, succeeding with your passions and leaving a legacy.

• Anyone who wants to lead a more unconventional and fulfilling life
• Anyone who is interested in creative self-employment

Wie kann es sein, dass manche Menschen das Glück anzuziehen scheinen, während andere mit hängendem Kopf von einem Unglück ins nächste trudeln? Pessimisten küsst man nicht (1991) erklärt, wie sich das Schwarzsehen in unserer Gesellschaft verbreitet hat, warum es so schädlich ist, und wie wir das optimistische Denken wiedererlernen können.

• Frohnaturen und Schwarzseher
• Alle, die das Glück in sich selber suchen
• Eltern, die ihren Kindern mehr Lebensmut mitgeben wollen

Different countries, like different people, have different personalities. Some are more upbeat; some are more downcast. Out of all the countries in the world, Denmark is often rated as the happiest. And that’s because Denmark has hygge. The Little Book of Hygge (2016) explains this concept in full and offers tips on how you can achieve it, too – wherever you live.

• Happiness seekers who want to appreciate the simple things in life
• Readers interested in cultural differences and similarities
• Anyone looking for ways to stay happy when it’s raining outside

The Influential Mind (2017) is about the often surprising and sometimes inflexible ways in which the human brain operates. As the esteemed neuroscientist and author Tali Sharot points out, having a better understanding of how the brain works can provide us with better control over our day-to-day lives and a deeper appreciation of the human experience.

• Students of neuroscience and psychology
• Managers and HR personnel
• Those who want more control over their lives

The Four Agreements (1997) is your guide to breaking free from negative patterns and fully realizing your true self. It was a New York Times best seller for over eight years. These blinks explain how society raises people to conform to a strict set of rules and how, with a little effort and commitment, you can set your own guidelines for life.

• People who feel trapped in their own lives
• Parents who want to raise their children to feel free
• Anybody who feels like they’re living a lie

The Power of Meaning (2017) discusses the four pillars of meaning that a person should honor if they hope to lead a fulfilling life. This book encourages readers to discover themselves by searching for a purpose in life, connecting with others, engaging in transcendence and learning from past traumas.

• Anyone interested in spirituality  
• Those struggling through hardship
• People interested in psychology, philosophy and literature

You Are a Badass (2013) is your guide to living life to the fullest. Sincero provides an analysis of exactly what’s holding you back and provides powerful strategies geared toward breaking bad habits so that you can truly live out your dreams.

Become the badass you always wanted to be.

• People stuck in jobs that they hate
• Readers looking for new strategies to tackle self-doubt
• Anyone seeking motivation to make a serious life change

Wir wollen heutzutage alles sein: selbstständig und sozial, integer und integriert, uns selbst ganz nah und trotzdem frei und offen in der Begegnung mit anderen. Doch wie kann das alles gleichzeitig gelingen? Der Psychotherapeut Alfred Adler hatte dazu schon Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts konkrete Vorschläge, die sich Ichiro Kishimi und Fumitake Koga genau angeschaut haben. Diese Blinks zu Du bist genug (2019) zeigen, warum Adlers Ideen bis heute relevant sind. Sie beleuchten besonders, wie Erwachsene ihre Kinder auf dem Weg in die Selbstständigkeit unterstützen können.

• Pädagoginnen und Pädagogen, die sich den Kopf über ihre Schützlinge zerbrechen
• Eltern, die sich wünschen, dass ihre Kinder zu selbstbewussten Menschen heranwachsen
• Alle, die die Verbindung zu sich selbst neu entdecken möchten

Packed full of practical wisdom, Life’s Amazing Secrets (2018) begins with a clarifying premise: to experience happiness and balance, we must maintain a spiritual practice, as well as pay attention to our personal lives, our relationships, our work and our social contributions. How to do that is what these blinks are all about. 

• People seeking purpose in life
• Successful individuals who aren’t content
• Seekers striving to realize their potential

The central theme of the book is the business of literally delivering happiness while living a life of passion and purpose. Delivering Happiness (2013) tells the story of Tony Hsieh and his company Zappos, demonstrating how thinking long-term and following your passions can not only lead to profits but also a happy life for your employees, your customers, and yourself. The book describes an alternative approach to corporate culture that focuses on the simple concept of making people around you happy, and by doing so increasing your own happiness.

• Anyone interested in running a successful business
• Anyone wishing to change the world
• Anyone who wants to know how profits, extraordinary customer service and happiness can all go hand-in-hand

The Longevity Project (2012) is about the impressive and revealing Terman Study, which followed a group of people for eight decades in order to find out what habits and practices helped them live long and healthy lives. These blinks explain why marriage might not be as healthy as you think, and what you can do to improve your chances of happiness and longevity.

• People who want to live longer
• Anyone tired of standard health advice
• Students of medicine and psychology

Essentialism (2014) teaches you how to do better by doing less. By offering practical solutions for how to get your priorities straight, Essentialism helps you to eliminate all of the junk in your routine that’s keeping you from being truly productive and fulfilled.

• Anyone who thinks that they are far too busy without being productive
• Anyone who feels like there is never enough time
• Anyone having a hard time identifying his or her priorities in life

The Power of Now (1997) offers a specific method for putting an end to suffering and achieving inner peace, living fully in the present and separating yourself from your mind. The book also teaches you to detach yourself from your “ego” – a part of the mind that seeks control over your thinking and behavior. It argues that by doing so you can learn to accept the present, reduce the amount of pain you experience, improve your relationships and enjoy a better life in general.

• Anyone seeking inner peace and enlightenment
• Anyone who is experiencing pain and is unsatisfied with their own existence
• Anyone who has the feeling that they are standing in their own way

Sorge dich nicht, lebe! (1948) ist ein Klassiker der Selbsthilfe-Literatur. Die Blinks zum Buch lehren Techniken, um den eigenen Sorgen und Ängsten zu begegnen, geben Ratschläge und sind gespickt mit Geschichten über Menschen, die auf erfolgreiche Art und Weise ihre Sorgen bekämpft haben.

• Alle, die sorgenfreier Leben möchten
• Ängstliche Menschen, die nach Wegen suchen, ihre Ängste zu bekämpfen
• Alle, die das Gefühl haben, undankbar behandelt zu werden

Die Macht der guten Gefühle stellt aktuelle Erkenntnisse der Positiven Psychologie dar und illustriert anhand zahlreicher Beispiele, wie positive Emotionen unser gesamtes Leben verändern können. In den folgenden Blinks lernst du, welche Strategien zu mehr guten Gefühlen und einer gesünderen Lebenseinstellung führen.

• Jeder, der sich dafür interessiert, welchen Einfluss positive Emotionen auf den Menschen haben
• Jeder, der gerne die eigene Lebensqualität und den Anteil guter Gefühle im Alltag erhöhen möchte

What is happiness and how can we bring more of it into our lives? Gretchen Rubin asked herself this question because although she fulfilled all the prerequisites for a happy life – an intact family, a good job and enough money for a rainy day – she found herself frequently unhappy. During her year-long Happiness Project, she read about various techniques and theories on increasing happiness and tried to become happier with their help.

• Anyone who wants to boost the little bits of happiness in their everyday lives
• Anyone looking for ideas and theories about happiness
• Anyone in need of concrete suggestions about how to establish a balance between work, social life, family and self-fulfillment

The Art of Happiness (1998) is based on interviews of His Holiness the Dalai Lama conducted by the psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler. The combination of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition with Dr. Cutler’s knowledge of Western therapeutic methods and scientific studies makes this a very accessible guide to everyday happiness. The book spent 97 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

• Anyone interested in how they can deal with suffering and find lasting happiness
• Anyone interested in how the Dalai Lama’s teachings intersect with Western therapeutic methods and scientific studies
• Anyone struggling with anger, anxiety, guilt or other negative mental states

Glückskinder präsentiert Strategien, mit denen man die wahren Chancen im Leben besser erkennen und nutzen kann.

Es beschreibt, wie sich Menschen im Allgemeinen im Umgang mit ihren Träumen und Zielen verhalten und was sie verändern müssen, um diese zu verwirklichen. Jeder kann mit etwas Mut, Aktivität und der richtigen Einstellung den „Chancenblick“ erlernen und zum Glückskind werden.

• Jeder, der das Gefühl hat, die besten Chancen im Leben zu verpassen
• Jeder, der sich fragt, wie erfolgreiche Menschen es schaffen, alles, was sie anfassen, in Gold zu verwandeln
• Jeder, der nach Möglichkeiten sucht, seine persönlichen Ziele zu verwirklichen

Finding Your Element (2013) offers engaging advice on ways you might discover your true passions and talents, and then reorient your life to incorporate more time for them. Written with a keen sense of wit, Finding Your Element offers entertaining and inspiring wisdoms that will help you not only to be more productive but also to improve your overall happiness and quality of life.

• Anyone who would like to focus on their passions more
• Anyone who'd like advice on how to discover their passions
• Anyone interested in improving the quality of their life in general

Die glückliche Gesellschaft (2005) geht der Frage nach, was uns Menschen langfristig glücklich macht und wie sich mehr Glück für alle erreichen lässt. Basierend auf Erkenntnissen aus Psychologie, Hirnforschung, Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftswissenschaften sowie der Philosophie empfehlen die Blinks, unser persönliches Leben und unsere Wirtschaftsordnung grundlegend zu überdenken.

• Alle, die sich für Glück und Glücksforschung interessieren
• Jeder, der erfahren möchte, weshalb Geld Menschen nicht zwangsläufig glücklicher macht
• Glückssuchende, die Impulse für mehr Glück im eigenen Leben suchen

Die Regeln des Glücks entstand auf der Grundlage einer Reihe an Interviews, die der Psychiater Howard C. Cutler mit Seiner Heiligkeit dem Dalai Lama führte. Die Kombination aus den Weisheitslehren des Buddhismus und Cutlers Kenntnis westlicher Therapiemethoden machen dieses Buch zu einem leicht zugänglichen Ratgeber für ein glückliches Leben. Auf der Suche nach mehr Zufriedenheit im Alltag? Der Dalai Lama verrät, wie es geht.

• Jeder, der wissen will, wie er mit Leiden umgehen und beständiges Glück finden kann
• Jeder, der sich dafür interessiert, wo sich die Lehren des Dalai Lamas mit westlichen Therapiemethoden und Forschungserkenntnissen decken
• Jeder, der mit Wut, Angst, Schuld und anderen negativen Gefühlen zu kämpfen hat

The Antidote is the intelligent person’s guide to understanding the much-misunderstood idea of happiness. The author emphasizes that positive thinking isn’t the solution, but part of the problem. He outlines an alternative, “negative” path to happiness and success that involves embracing failure, pessimism, insecurity and uncertainty – what we usually spend our lives trying to avoid.

• Anyone who wants to feel happy, even when things go wrong
• Anyone who’s tired of setting and trying to follow through rigid goals
• Anyone who wants to learn to appreciate what they have

Positivity presents the latest research into the positive emotions that are the foundation of our happiness. By presenting different strategies to increase the amount of positive emotions you experience, this book will help you adopt a positive general attitude toward life.

• Anyone interested in the power of positive emotions
• Anyone who wants to enjoy greater happiness and life satisfaction
• Anyone interested in positive psychology and happiness research

Das Leben ist zu kurz, um fremdbestimmt zu leben. Diese Blinks sind ein flammendes Plädoyer für das, was Weltenbummler und Lebenskünstler Chris Guillebeau als „Non-Konformität“ oder Die Kunst, anders zu leben bezeichnet. Finde heraus, warum auch du das Recht auf ein unkonventionelles Leben hast – und das Zeug dazu, Außergewöhnliches zu tun. Werde dir darüber klar, was du wirklich vom Leben willst und lerne, deinen Träumen und Wünschen nachzugehen.

• Alle, die mehr vom Leben wollen
• Jeder, der sich kreativ ausleben, selbständig sein und sich selbst verwirklichen möchte
• Menschen, die etwas erschaffen wollen, das sie überdauert

Author James Altucher explains that after the 2008 global economic crisis, you can’t wait to be chosen; you have to Choose Yourself. This means you have to take full responsibility for your own success and happiness by reclaiming control of your aspirations and dreams. To do this, the book gives you both tools and effective practices to stay physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

• Anyone who wants to learn how to become rich in today’s economy
• Anyone who wants better understand the state of the economy since 2008
• Anyone interested in entrepreneurship

Die Kraft des positiven Denkens (1960) ist der klassische Selbsthilfe-Ratgeber – ein Handbuch, das dir dabei hilft, durch positives Denken glücklicher zu leben. Die folgenden Blinks erklären, wie bestimmte Denkmuster das Leben verändern können und wie wichtig Glaube und spirituelle Praxis sind, um zu dauerhafter Zufriedenheit zu gelangen.

• Alle, die einen spirituellen und religiösen Leitfaden für ein glückliches Leben suchen
• Alle, die sich für das spirituelle Leben in den USA der 50er-Jahre interessieren
• Alle, die gerne wissen möchten, wie Psychologie, Religion und Glück zusammenhängen

The Happiness Advantage looks into the origins of happiness and the positive effects that happiness has on our productivity. Based on extensive research in positive psychology, the book offers concrete tips on how to increase your own happiness and thus your chances for success.

• Anyone who thinks happiness is the reward for hard work
• Anyone who feels too stressed to cope
• Anyone who could use just a little more happiness in his or her life

In Leben statt kleben! (2011) geht es um die vielen unnützen Dinge, die unser Zuhause vollstopfen und uns sprichwörtlich die Luft zum Atmen nehmen. Die Blinks beschreiben, welche befreienden Auswirkungen es auf deine Persönlichkeit und dein Leben haben kann, wenn du lernst, dich – wohlüberlegt und in kleinen Schritten – von diesen Dingen zu trennen.

• Menschen, die Schwierigkeiten damit haben, sich von Sachen zu trennen
• Alle, die an der Kunst des richtigen Aufräumens interessiert sind
• Chaoten, die wissen möchten, wie Clearing der Persönlichkeitsentwicklung dienen kann

Eckhart Tolle erklärt in Jetzt!, dass Probleme, Sorgen und Leid nur aus einem fehlenden Gefühl für die Gegenwart resultieren. Er beschreibt, wie man die Sorgen in seinem Leben loswerden und inneren Frieden finden kann, indem man voll und ganz im Jetzt lebt.

Das Buch lehrt uns, wie wir uns von unserem inneren Ego lösen – dem Teil des Verstandes, der stetig nach Kontrolle sucht. Auf diese Weise kann man lernen, die Gegenwart zu akzeptieren, und Probleme abschaffen, die durch mangelndes Bewusstsein entstehen.

• Jeder, dessen Leben voller Sorgen und Leid ist
• Jeder, der sich ständig unzufrieden fühlt
• Jeder, der nach einer spirituellen Erleuchtung sucht

Wirtschaftlich betrachtet geht es uns so gut wie noch nie: Wir haben genug zu essen, ein Dach über dem Kopf und werden dank fortgeschrittener Medizin älter als je zuvor. Trotzdem geht es uns ziemlich schlecht: Depressionen, Burn-out und Essstörungen sind auf dem Vormarsch. Warum ist das so? Die Blinks zu Paul Verhaeghes Und ich? (2013) zeigen, wie diese psychischen Probleme mit dem neoliberalen Wirtschaftssystem zusammenhängen.

• Neugierige, die erfahren möchten, wie wir unsere Identität bilden
• Alle, die sich fragen, wie das Wirtschaftssystem die Psyche beeinflusst
• Kritisch Denkende, die gesellschaftliche Zusammenhänge hinterfragen

Ein ganzes Jahr ausdrücklich dem eigenen Glück widmen? Was nach einer Aussteiger-Fantasie klingen mag, geht auch von Zuhause – Gretchen Rubin beweist es. Das Happiness-Projekt dokumentiert ihren Selbstversuch, gegen die latente Unzufriedenheit anzukämpfen, die trotz Familie, Karriere und Wohlstand an ihr nagte. Warum Gerümpel unglücklich und Shopping doch glücklich macht, wie wir die Beziehung zu unseren Liebsten verbessern und warum wir vielleicht wieder häufiger die Bastelschere in die Hand nehmen sollten – auch wer keine zwölf Monate mitbringt, kann sich mit Sicherheit die eine oder andere Technik aus Rubins Erfahrungsschatz abschauen.

• Jeder, der sich nach mehr Zufriedenheit sehnt
• Alle, die sich für Glücksforschung interessieren
• Verfechter einer besseren Work-Life-Balance

Stumbling on Happiness (2007) explains how our brains make us think about the future. It employs accessible language and everyday examples to help us understand complex theories from psychology, neuroscience and philosophy.

Stumbling on Happiness helps answer the question: why do we make decisions that leave us unhappy? By showing how our brains work, it aims to help us imagine our futures in new ways, ways that could leave us happier.

• Students of psychology
• Anyone interested in how our imagination works
• Anyone interested in knowing how we predict the future

In The Happiness Hypothesis, Jonathan Haidt examines the ideas of famous ancient thinkers in light of modern knowledge and uses scientific findings to answer the question, “What makes a person happy?” The book will provide you with a better understanding of human social behavior and enable you to increase your own happiness.

• Anyone looking for more happiness and meaning in his or her life
• Anyone interested in psychology and research on happiness

Savor (2010) provides advice and inspiration on how to find inner peace, joy and strength – especially for those trying to sustainably lose weight – with Buddhist teachings and techniques for appreciating the richness of life in the present moment. It also draws on the latest nutritional science research on the best ways to eat and exercise, presenting readers with a holistic method for improving their physical, psychological and spiritual well-being, and thereby transforming their lives.

• Anyone wanting to sustainably lose weight
• Anyone wanting more peace and happiness in everyday life

In Happiness, economist Richard Layard examines what it is that makes us happy and how anyone can achieve greater happiness. Basing his studies on insights from such diverse fields as psychology, philosophy and neuroscience, Layard presents compelling arguments that are great food for thought, encouraging readers to question their daily habits and practices.

• Anyone interested in research on happiness
• Anyone who wants to find out why money won’t necessarily make them happy
• Anyone searching for ways to increase their general level of happiness

Drawing on a wealth of personal stories and fascinating facts, The Defining Decade (2012) argues that, contrary to popular belief, 30 is not the new 20. Author Meg Jay uses her vast experience as a professional psychologist to advise twentysomethings on such issues as choosing a partner, starting a family, picking a career, and generally making the most of one’s 20s. Jay also argues that the years between 20 and 30 are the time to establish serious goals and, because the adult brain is at its most pliable then, to begin to take steps toward reaching them.

• Twentysomethings looking for guidance
• Parents who want to understand the troubles of their twentysomething children
• Employers who want to know how to motivate their young professionals

The Untethered Soul is all about you: your feelings, thoughts and consciousness. By drawing on different spiritual practices, this book explains how you can navigate your own mind, get in touch with yourself and become your own master, to ultimately achieve enlightenment.

• Anyone who wants to lead a happier and healthier life
• Anyone needing to let go of negative emotions
• Anyone who wants to learn about the benefits of spiritualism

Buddha’s Brain is a practical guide to attaining more happiness, love and wisdom in life. It aims to empower readers by providing them with practical skills and tools to help unlock their brains’ potential and achieve greater peace of mind. Specific attention is paid to the contemplative technique “mindfulness” and the latest neurological findings that support it.

• Psychology students who are interested in meditation but still want information grounded in scientific fact
• Anyone who wants to learn how to live a stress-free and happy life
• Anyone who wants to know both the theory behind meditation and its practical application in their everyday lives.

How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life revives the work of the influential economist and philosopher, Adam Smith – especially his groundbreaking book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. The author applies Smith’s ideas to modern life, showing us how to become happier and more virtuous people, improving our relationships with those around us and ultimately even changing the world!

• Anyone who wants to find a path to fulfillment and happiness
• Anyone who wants to apply classic philosophy to their own life
• Anyone who thinks Adam Smith was just an economist

In Joy Inc., author Rich Sheridan shows you how a culture of joy can be the basis for any successful company. Using examples from his experience as CEO of software company Menlo Innovations, the author shows how fostering open communication, transparency and positivity can transform a workplace.

• Managers and CEOs who want to improve productivity
• Visionary leaders who want a new perspective on how to run a company
• Business students looking to broaden their understanding of what makes a successful company

As a leading business expert and cancer survivor, Clayton M. Christensen provides you with his unique insight on how to lead a life that brings both professional success and genuine happiness. In How Will You Measure Your Life?, Christensen touches on diverse topics such as motivation and how you can harness it, what career strategy is the best for you, how to strengthen relationships with loved ones, and how to build a strong family culture.

• Anyone struggling to create a balance between work and life demands
• Anyone curious about how to achieve long-term happiness and meaning in life
• Fans of Christensen’s critically acclaimed book, The Innovator’s Dilemma

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do (2014) explains how to develop great mental strength by taking control of your emotions, thoughts, and actions. With useful tips, inspiring examples, and practical solutions, this book will help you overcome your fears and start living life to the fullest.

• People struggling in the face of their own failures and peers’ success
• Parents who can’t calmly communicate with their children
• Anyone who needs extra encouragement to live out their dreams

You'll See It When You Believe It is your guide to finding your true self. It will show you how to achieve harmony with yourself, your fellow people, and the universe at large. When you learn to transform yourself, you'll find inner peace and the strength to realize your greatest dreams.

• Anyone who wants to better him- or herself
• Anyone who wants to find inner peace
• Anyone who wants to understand his or her place in the universe

Worin besteht eigentlich Glück und wie erreichen wir es? Diese Frage beantwortet Jonathan Haidt statt mit philosophischer Theorie lieber mit Pragmatismus. Die Blinks zu Die Glückshypothese (2009) greifen uns mit den Ergebnissen jahrelanger Forschung im Alltag unter die Arme: Sie erklären, wie wir den eskalierten Streit um den Abwasch beilegen, was wir tun sollten, wenn positives Denken uns mal nicht weiterhilft – und was unser Wohlbefinden eigentlich mit Elefanten zu tun hat.

• Alle, die auf der Suche nach einem glücklicheren Leben sind
• Menschen, die andere glücklich machen wollen
• Alle, die wissen wollen, was die Glücksforschung herausgefunden hat

18 Minutes (2011) is a helpful guide to getting things done by focusing on meaningful work, reaching goals and preventing distractions. These blinks will show how to identify the kind of work that is right for you and how to stay on track and hit your targets.

• People who want to get things done
• Anyone feeling overwhelmed with work
• Anyone searching for happiness and meaning in their lives

What's most important to you? What goals are worth pursuing? A Guide to the Good Life (2009) tackles these pivotal questions, guiding the reader through the ancient Stoic philosophy of life and offering advice on how to practice it in a modern world. Focused on the goals of virtue and tranquility, this book shows us how to find joy in our lives.

• Philosophy students
• Those who are seeking to curb their negative emotions
• Anyone wanting a simpler and more tranquil life

Drawing from his own behavioral research and economist experience, Dolan explains how happiness arises and how we experience it in our everyday lives. He exposes some of the traps we fall into when trying to be happier and demonstrates some simple tools for adapting your environment to feel happier without having to radically change who you are and what you think.

• Anyone who wants to understand what happiness really is
• Anyone who is fed up with not reaching their goals
• Anyone who needs easier and faster solutions on how to feel better instantly

A Message to Garcia (1899) outlines the lessons to be learned from a Spanish-American War-era lieutenant who displayed a level of dedication to his work that we should all strive to match. At its core, the book describes how working hard is the key to living well, staying virtuous, finding happiness and improving the world at large.

• Leaders of all kinds
• Hard workers who want to perform better at their chosen job or profession
• Anyone who wants to improve their sense of well-being

Broadcasting Happiness (2015) reveals the huge impact positivity has on productivity, teamwork and well-being. These blinks explain how you can communicate positive thoughts to send ripples of happiness through your community, your workplace and within your relationships.

• Anyone wanting to improve their communication skills
• Journalists, bloggers or anyone addressing a large audience
• Business leaders and managers looking to inspire employees

Live It! (2014) offers a step-by-step guide to helping you discover what your ideal life looks like and how to make it a reality. All too often we turn away from our dreams, never taking the first step toward changing our lives for the better. This book focuses on what you need to get what you want, and how to avoid obstacles and challenges along the way.

• Anyone who feels unhappy with where they are in life
• Anyone afraid of following their dreams
• Anyone looking for inspiration on how to create lasting change

In Happiness: A History (2006), we’re taken on a journey through history. From Ancient Greece, through the Dark Ages and up into the modern era, this journey uncovers how our conception of happiness has changed and evolved over time.

• History students
• Philosophy students
• Anyone interested in the cultural history of happiness

Minimalist Parenting (2013) presents a new conception of parenting: fewer rules and more listening to your gut. Rather than following the herd’s latest parenting trends, Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest present an approach to raising a family that puts your personal and family values at the heart of your life as a parent.

• Parents of all stripes
• Moms and dads who are overwhelmed by parenting books
• Anyone wanting to maintain healthy family relationships

The Power of No (2014) offers a holistic, intuitive approach towards health, abundance and happiness: Say no to the things that are causing you harm and slowing you down so that you have the energy to say yes to the things that you find uplifting.

• Anyone who wants to live a happier, healthier, more abundant life
• Anyone who feels they say yes too often
• Spiritually inclined people looking to have more meaningful and positive experiences

In The Wisdom of Insecurity (1951), author Alan Watts discusses the paradoxical nature of modern life: we pursue goals and covet material goods that promise happiness, but which leave us feeling empty and more anxious than ever. As we indulge in unproductive thoughts about the future or the past, we tend to forget about what is most meaningful – the present moment.

• Anyone feeling unfulfilled in life
• Anxiety sufferers searching for the secrets to happiness
• People interested in contemporary philosophy

A New Earth (2005) expands on the author’s spiritual teachings, focusing on how people should live in the present moment. These blinks show how transcending the human ego is pivotal to individual happiness and can bring an end to global suffering. You’ll learn how to let go of your ego and achieve true fulfillment in life!

• People suffering from anxiety
• Anyone concerned about the amount of conflict in the world

What makes you smile, laugh or feel like skipping down the street? Teams of professional psychologists, neuroscientists, marketers, economists and your boss all want to know. Why? So they can make sure you are a productive employee who buys lots of stuff! The Happiness Industry (2015) takes an in-depth look at how our happiness is studied, measured, and profited from – often without our knowledge or consent.

• Anyone interested in the role of happiness in modern society
• Readers who wonder how happiness works in the human brain
• People concerned about increasing invasions of privacy online

The Optimism Bias (2011) demonstrates the interesting and entertaining ways in which our rose-tinted glasses color our experience of the world – and why it’s a good thing that they do. Though they won’t enable you to take off those rosy specs, these blinks will at least afford you some insight into why you wear them, and how you can use them to your benefit.

• Proponents of psychology
• Those curious to know why their personal plans never seem to work out
• People who believe that humans behave rationally

Altruism (2015) examines our need to care for others, a compulsion that is essential in both humans and animals. These blinks explain how and why caregivers do what they do through the lens of philosophy, economics and evolutionary theory.

• Professional caregivers or anyone who spends time caring for others
• Psychologists, family counselors and therapists
• People interested in social justice

Happier at Home (2012) is a guide to transforming your home into a sanctuary that reflects your family’s personality. By helping you identify both your and your family’s needs, this book gives you everything you need to start changing your home and family life for the better.

• Anyone who wants to build the best environment for their family
• People striving to be happier

Overwhelmed (2014) explores how our outdated attitudes to gender, parenthood and race are making us all stressed and frantic. Author Brigid Schulte shows how such old fashioned ideas are holding us back from living happier, more fulfilled lives. Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are alternative ways to live, we just need to learn how to implement them.

• Anyone who feels stressed or overwhelmed
• Anyone who feels pressured to conform to gender stereotypes

Die Anleitung zum Unglücklichsein ist Kult. Nachdem das Buch 1983 erschien, hielt es sich jahrelang in den Bestsellerlisten und hat mittlerweile eine Auflage von fast zwei Millionen Exemplaren erreicht. Darin erklärt Paul Watzlawick anhand von vielen leicht nachzumachenden Beispielen, wie einfach es ist, sich selbst so richtig unglücklich zu machen.

• Jeder, der wissen möchte, wie er richtig unglücklich wird
• Jeder, der sich für die Psychologie und die Soziologie des Unglücks interessiert
• Jeder, der herausfinden möchte, warum Beziehungen oft so kompliziert sind

Scaling Down (2005) will help you understand the impulse to accumulate more things than you actually need, and why, once you’ve acquired those things, you don’t want to let them go. With a helpful step-by-step guide, it provides effective strategies for scaling down and learning to live with less.

• Anyone who owns too much stuff
• Collectors whose belongings have taken over their lives
• Couples who are moving into a smaller home

The Purpose Driven Life (2002) shares the Christian answer to that age-old question: why am I here? From finding moments of worship in daily routines to seeking out a supportive community and letting the Holy Spirit guide you through tough situations, these blinks are an engaging guide to life as a Christian today.

• Christians seeking a modern guide to a life of faith
• Readers longing to deepen their connection to Christian spirituality
• Individuals interested the benefits of the Christian way of life

Das sorgfältig recherchierte Buch zeigt anschaulich und kurzweilig, wie wichtig Körperkontakt ist. Der Autor demonstriert anhand konkreter Forschungsergebnisse und prägnanter Beispiele, wie positiv sich Berührungen und Zärtlichkeit auf unsere körperliche und seelische Gesundheit auswirken – von den allerersten Lebensphasen im Mutterleib bis hinauf ins hohe Alter.

• Jeder, der sich insgeheim nach mehr Körperkontakt sehnt
• Junge Eltern, die sich Gedanken über den richtigen Umgang mit der Nähe zu ihren Kindern machen
• Jeder, der sich öfter gestresst und abgeschlagen fühlt

Hardwiring Happiness (2013) isn’t just another self-help book singing the praises of positive thinking. It presents the latest research behind the neuroscience of happiness and explains how you can reprogram your brain to focus on the good, rather than obsessing over the bad.

• People who tend to focus on the negative
• Optimists who want to find more effective ways of thinking positively
• Students of neuroscience and biology

Happiness (2007) guides you toward a state of true happiness. Many people today falsely believe that happiness comes from ephemeral things like money or fame, but truly long-lasting and profound happiness stems from maintaining a higher sense of well-being. And these blinks will help you do exactly that.

• Aspiring and practicing Buddhists
• Anyone interested in psychology
• Those wanting to lead a happier life

The Architecture of Happiness (2006) is about how humans relate to architecture and design. These blinks demystify the power of architecture by explaining why different people prefer specific buildings, how design speaks to us and how we can use architecture to bring out our best.

• People with an interest in architecture and design
• Anyone looking for a novel perspective on human happiness

Viele Menschen würden gern etwas in ihrem Leben ändern, wissen aber nicht, wie. In diesem Buch werden Strategien aufgezeigt, mit denen man sich der eigenen Wünsche bewusst wird, sich gegen Widerstände durchsetzt und sich selbst motivieren kann, aktiv zu werden.

• Motivationstrainer
• Jeder, der schon lange davon träumt, sein Leben zu verändern
• Alle, die nach Tricks suchen, um den inneren Schweinehund zu bezwingen

Simplify your life (2004) gibt Tipps und Tricks für ein glückliches Leben durch Vereinfachung. In den Bereichen Finanzen, Dinge, Zeit, Gesundheit, Beziehungen, Partnerschaft, Selbst und Spiritualität kannst du mit simplen Mitteln viel mehr Klarheit erreichen. Das macht dich entspannter und zufriedener.

• Alle, die gern zufriedener und ausgeglichener wären
• Menschen mit akutem Zeitmangel
• Jeder, dem seine Wohnung oder sein Schreibtisch zu chaotisch sind

On the Shortness of Life (49 AD) is an essay on how to appreciate life – and how to use it. These blinks show you what is truly valuable in this world and how to avoid getting distracted by unimportant matters. They’ll show you where genuine happiness comes from and why working hard will not lead to a tranquil and satisfied mind.

• Workaholics who never have any time for anything
• Thinkers trying to decide what it means to live a good life
• Anyone who wants to be inspired to learn and read more

When Things Fall Apart (1997) is a guide to dealing with the biggest challenges life throws at you. These blinks explore a range of concepts and strategies, from meditation to self-compassion to breathing techniques, that’ll help you develop resilience in the face of adversity and a deeper appreciation for living in the moment.

• Readers curious about the applications of Eastern philosophy to personal challenges
• Professionals who feel that their lives are overcome by stress
• Perfectionists looking for strategies to combat high expectations and self-criticism

How to Have a Good Day (2016) explains how you can make the most of your working day, with advice based on recent findings in the fields of psychology, economics and neuroscience. These blinks will teach you how to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace like a pro and boost your energy level during nerve-racking or tiring days.

• Professionals who want to be more productive and efficient
• Procrastinators
• Anyone who wants to have a greater impact at his or her workplace

Strangers Drowning (2015) tells the amazing stories of people who decided to put an end to selfish behavior and devote their lives to helping others. Find out what it takes to lead a life of altruism and selflessness, and the price people pay to make a difference in the world.

• Good samaritans who want to understand their desire to help
• Cynics who want to be more altruistic
• Students or business people looking for meaningful work

Smile or Die (2009) explores the impact of positive thinking on mainstream American culture. These blinks show how Americans have convinced themselves that they alone are in control of their happiness, buying into a mass delusion which in the end only does them harm.

• Anyone curious about the roots of American optimism
• Professionals who question positive attitudes promoted at the workplace
• People annoyed when told to “be more positive”

Option B (2017) is based on the personal experiences of Sheryl Sandberg who, after losing her husband, fell into a period of deep mourning. However, Sheryl’s story is not one of despair; it’s one of perseverance, and of emerging from a horrible experience even stronger than before. Discover what Sheryl learned about the grieving process and how she was able to reclaim her joy, find meaning in life – and death – and move on.

• Grief counselors
• Readers experiencing personal hardship and mourning
• Parents, friends and lovers who want to be supportive

Happier (2008) is a guide to living a more meaningful and pleasurable existence. These blinks will challenge you to identify what matters most to you and to reflect on how you can make that a bigger part of your life.

• Students who are preparing to choose their career paths
• Educators and parents who want to encourage students to focus on happiness and meaningfulness
• Anybody who feels a bit stuck and is looking for true change

Happy City (2013) explains how urban planning can help us live healthier and more joyful lives in the big city. From the history of urban sprawl to design blunders, to strategies that encourage residents to socialize, relax and exercise, these blinks reveal the hidden features that can make or break city life.

• Readers thinking about moving to a new city
• Students of social psychology or urban planning
• People fascinated by the inner workings of urban life

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (1997) offers a remedy to the problems of modern life. A fable, it tells the story of the enlightenment of ex-lawyer Julian Mantle and gives advice on how to live a happier, more rewarding and enlightened existence.

• Fans of self-help books
• People interested in Eastern mysticism
• Workaholics

The Happy Kid Handbook (2015) explains the key components of a happy childhood that allows children to thrive as unique individuals. Whether your child is introverted or extroverted, these blinks will guide you through helping them understand stress, negative emotions, social relationships and the importance of finding calm in their lives.

• Parents-to-be who are anxious about raising their child right
• Mothers and fathers struggling to understand their kid’s confusing behavior
• Readers interested in the importance of parenting today

Changing the Subject (2015) takes a critical and concerned look at how the internet is affecting our lives. In these blinks, you’ll find out how our constant connection to the digital world is causing us to lose our individuality, our attention span and our intellect. Are we headed for one giant hive mind, or can we put down our phones for a moment and reconnect with our own emotions?

• Tech junkies addicted to their smartphones
• Readers who are easily distracted
• Luddites who oppose the internet revolution

If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy (2016) offers wisdom to help you put an end to the bad habits that are keeping you from being happy. We often think that happiness is an elusive emotion, but that’s just because we often get in our own way. Believe it or not, there are simple steps you can take starting today to become a happier and healthier person.

• Young people who are going through a breakup
• Professionals who value success over making the world a better place
• Anyone trying to find a path to happiness

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (2016) lays out how to live a better life by caring about fewer things. If you follow few simple rules, you can enjoy a happier, less stressful existence.

• Anyone feeling stressed or overburdened with life
• Self-improvement junkies
• People worried about their legacy

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck (2015) is your definitive guide to freeing up your time, money and energy. These blinks teach you how to stop caring about the things that don’t serve you so you can focus your attention on the parts of life that bring you joy.  

• People tired of other people’s nonsense
• Anybody anxious or stressed out by everyday life
• Anyone who wants to be happier and healthier

The Power of the Subconscious Mind (1963) has helped millions of readers around the world harness their subconscious and find true happiness in the process. These blinks share inspiring true stories and effective techniques that will positively influence your career, love life and overall health.

• Illness-prone people who want to improve their overall health
• People who struggle to achieve the success they desire
• Anyone with profound fears or obsessions

Designing Your Life (2016) is about taking control of your life by creating a plan that’ll do away with an uninspired nine-to-five routine and usher in a career that you really love. You’ll find advice and exercises that will point you toward your true calling, along with progressive ideas that challenge the limitations of traditional career counseling.

“I love this practical, no-nonsense approach to the often nebulous topic of identifying the life you want to lead.” – Ben H, Head of Content at Blinkist

• Students and recent graduates plotting their way forward
• Adults both young and old who feel adrift in life
• Career counselors

Diese Blinks zeigen dir, wie du lernst, auf alles zu scheißen, was dir keinen Spaß macht. Sie sind eine praktische Anleitung dazu, wie du zu allen Dingen, auf die du keine Lust hast, „nein“ sagst und dadurch mehr Zeit, Geld und Energie für die Dinge übrig hast, die dir wirklich wichtig sind.

• Jeder, der sich vieles zu Herzen nimmt, sich unnötig aufregt und sich ständig um alles kümmert
• Jeder, der nervös oder gestresst ist
• Jeder, der glücklicher und gesünder leben möchte

Schopenhauer’s The Wisdom of Life (1851) is a short philosophical essay about what constitutes human happiness. Starting with ancient Greek philosophers’ ideas on human happiness, Schopenhauer develops his own thoughts on what people need to be happy.

• Academic and armchair philosophers
• Anyone striving for happiness and wisdom
• Lovers of nineteenth-century German philosophy

Notorische Bummler lernen, wie sie ihre Dinge erledigen können, ohne sich fundamental zu verändern. Wichtig sind die richtige Perspektive, die Sortierung der Aufgabenliste, eine Prise Selbsttäuschung und ein klitzekleines bisschen Disziplin.

• Jeder, der gerne Dinge aufschiebt
• Alle, die Schwierigkeiten damit haben, ihre Arbeit oder auch Alltagsdinge in den Griff zu bekommen
• Jeder, der unter bummelnden Arbeitskollegen oder Lebenspartnern zu leiden hat

Emotional Agility (2016) provides the theories and tools that will emancipate you from the fickle rule of your emotions. If you can distance yourself from the knots of anger and fear in your stomach, you can gradually learn to unwind and heal.

• Multitaskers who work a job and also take care of a family
• Psychologists and life coaches
• Emotional people who need help dealing with the world at large

Du hast das Gefühl, dass deine Arbeit nicht genug Zeit für dein Privatleben lässt? Dass deine sozialen Beziehungen unter deinem Job leiden? Liebe dein Leben und nicht deinen Job zeigt, dass das nicht sein muss und erklärt in zehn Ratschlägen, wie man die eigenen Prioritäten konstruktiv verwirklicht.

• Jeder, der von seinem Job genervt ist
• Werber, die keine Lust mehr auf die ständigen Überstunden haben
• Jeder, der die richtige Balance zwischen Job und Privatleben sucht

I’m Ok, You’re Ok (1969) is a valuable guide to understanding how our past experiences and memories affect our life in the present. Even our earliest childhood years can keep us from leading the life we desire – so find out how you can take control of your emotions and break free from the past in order to have a healthy and happy future.

• Decision makers who have trouble actually making decisions
• Emotional and anxious people hunting for the source of their worries
• Psychologists and people who work in the helping professions

Die Mañana-Kompetenz erklärt, warum das vegetative Nervensystem durch unseren modernen Lebensstil total durcheinander geraten ist. Der Sympathikus, der unsere Vorfahren noch dazu befähigte, schnell zu fliehen oder den Kampf aufzunehmen, richtet heutzutage eher Schaden an. Mit der Mañana-Strategie kannst du den Gegenspieler, den Parasympathikus, wieder aktivieren und dadurch auch in stressigen Situationen ausgeglichen bleiben.

• Alle, die Stress minimieren möchten
• Jeder, der nach Ruhepolen in seinem Leben sucht
• Ärzte, Therapeuten und Berater, die ihren Patienten und Klienten bei der Verbesserung ihrer Lebenssituation helfen wollen

The Energy Bus (2007) is a handbook to positive energy and long-term success in your personal and professional life. These blinks are full of practical advice on how to cut out negative feelings, replace them with positive thoughts and fuel your life journey with committed people and a can-do outlook.

© Jon Gordon: The Energy Bus copyright 2007, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Used by permission of John Wiley & Sons Inc. and shall not be made available to any unauthorized third parties.

• Anyone in need of an energy boost
• People seeking a more positive lifestyle
• Managers who want a crash course on leadership and teamwork

Die Frage, warum die Bewohner mancher Länder glücklicher sind als die anderer, führt früher oder später zu dem dänischen Wort „hygge“ – der Zauberformel hinter der kollektiven Zufriedenheit der Dänen. Aber nur die wenigsten wissen, wofür hygge wirklich steht. Die Blinks erklären, was hygge genau bedeutet und wie es auch dein Leben bereichern kann.

• Jeder, der auf der Suche nach Glück und Zufriedenheit ist
• Alle, die die Monotonie der alltäglichen Routine infrage stellen
• Jeder, der selbst schlechtem Wetter mit sonnigem Gemüt trotzen möchte

Die Tolteken waren ein antikes Volk, das im heutigen Mexiko lebte und seine Weisheit und Perspektive auf das Leben durch naguals genannte Schamanen über Jahrhunderte weitergab. Die Tolteken glaubten, dass die meisten unserer Ängste, Zwänge und Missstände auf überlieferte Glaubenssätze und Muster zurückgehen, die im Grunde nichts mit uns selbst zu tun haben. Die vier Versprechen (2016) fasst die Vereinbarungen der Tolteken zusammen, die wir mit uns selbst treffen müssen, um wirklich frei, selbstbestimmt und glücklich zu leben.

• Jeder, der sich in den Zwängen und Konventionen seines Lebens gefangen fühlt
• Eltern, die ihre Kinder so frei und selbstbestimmt wie möglich erziehen möchten
• Jeder, der sein wahres Ich entdecken und im Einklang mit ihm leben will

Inner Engineering (2016) explains how happiness can only be found within yourself. These blinks introduce spiritual wisdom that will make you happier, more fulfilled and at peace with the life you are living.

• Those in search of deeper meaning in their lives
• Ambitious entrepreneurs who are dissatisfied despite their success
• Atheists who want to give spirituality a chance

Search Inside Yourself (2012) teaches how the power of emotional intelligence and mindfulness can be harnessed to thrive both personally and professionally. Tan’s teachings are based on years of research and afford you the opportunity to improve your happiness, creativity and productivity.

• Professionals who want to become better at their job
• Individuals who want to start a sustained mindfulness practice
• Those having trouble understanding their emotions

The Happiness Equation (2016) unlocks nine essential secrets to living a happy life. These are guidelines that can help anyone reap the rewards that come with having a positive outlook on life. Happiness isn’t just about reducing stress and anxiety; it’s about paving the way to great work and success.

• Unhappy people
• Employees who dread their job
• Readers looking for guidance in life

Hallelujah Anyway (2017) is a reintroduction to the concepts of mercy and kindness. If you’ve ever wondered whether these values have all but disappeared, this provides some much-needed insight into why they’re in short supply and what we can do to bring them back into our lives. Don’t waste another day feeling sad for yourself; get on the path to rediscovering the joy in life.

• People suffering from addiction
• Writers, poets and other aspiring artists
• Soul seekers

It’s Not You (2014) is an antidote to the stereotypical dating guides that offer advice that isn’t relevant to today’s modern lifestyles. Here you’ll discover why you no longer need to panic about being single after you turn 30 and why marriage needn’t be regarded as key to your happiness. This is a guide to help today’s single women navigate a dating world that is quite different than it was just a generation ago.

• Single women in their thirties
• Married women who are afraid of leaving a toxic relationship
• Anyone who feels guilty about being single