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The Little Book of Hygge summary
The Danish Way to Live Well
13 mins
Brief summary
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking explores the Danish concept of coziness and happiness. It offers tips and insights on how to create a cozy atmosphere and find joy in the simple things in life.
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The Little Book of Hygge
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Key idea 1 of 5
Hygge is a key but difficult-to-translate concept for understanding the Danish way of life.
If you look up hygge in a Danish-English dictionary, the definition you’re most likely to find is “coziness.” The word conjures up ideas of intimacy or images of candlelight or hot cocoa by the fire. But it means a whole lot more than that.
Lately, hygge has gotten some hype. But what’s caused this?
Well, Denmark is regularly ranked among the happiest nations in the world. In 2013 and 2016, it ranked first in the World Happiness Report and, in 2015, it came in third.
To outsiders this seems very odd. Denmark’s weather is predominantly gray and its taxes are phenomenally high. There aren’t even any vast expanses of wilderness where you can escape to.
So why is it such a content and happy country? There are two explanations. The first is obvious: those high taxes pay for a generous welfare state. The second is less so, and it hinges on that amorphous concept – hygge.
The word first appears in written Danish in the early 1800s. It’s a word imported from Norwegian originally meaning “well-being.”
But this definition gets us only so far. Nor does the modern translation of “coziness” quite do the trick. Hygge has to be experienced. It is, in short, a feeling.
There are similar concepts in other countries, too. The Germans have Gemütlichkeit, the Dutch gezelligheid and the Canadians hominess – each term an encapsulation of a sort of hearthside at-homeness. But no culture goes so far as the Danes. For them, hygge is central to the conception of self.
The notion is so embedded in Danish culture that they even have an adjective – hyggelig – to describe something that either has hygge or can nurture hygge. Imagine a particularly snug café. It doesn’t matter that the coffee is less than decent or that you have to go out of your way to get there; you like the place because it’s hyggelig.
There’s even a verb! If you were planning to spend an afternoon at this café, you might invite a friend to come and hygge with you.
So how can you co-opt this defining feature of Danish identity and culture?
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What is The Little Book of Hygge about?
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.
The Little Book of Hygge Review
The Little Book of Hygge (2016) is a delightful exploration of the Danish concept of hygge, which promotes coziness, comfort, and a sense of well-being. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With practical suggestions for creating a cozy atmosphere, it offers a blueprint for cultivating happiness and contentment in everyday life.
- Through inspiring anecdotes and cultural insights, the book provides a window into the Danish way of life and its emphasis on simple pleasures.
- By embracing hygge principles, readers can learn to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and find joy in the little things, making it far from boring.
Who should read The Little Book of Hygge?
- 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
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The Little Book of Hygge FAQs
What is the main message of The Little Book of Hygge?
Find comfort, coziness, and happiness in everyday moments.
How long does it take to read The Little Book of Hygge?
The reading time for The Little Book of Hygge varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Little Book of Hygge a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Little Book of Hygge is a delightful read. Experience the Danish way of living, filled with warmth and contentment.
Who is the author of The Little Book of Hygge?
The author of The Little Book of Hygge is Meik Wiking.
What to read after The Little Book of Hygge?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Little Book of Hygge, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The New Corner Office by Laura Vanderkam
- How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price
- The Joy of Missing Out by Tanya Dalton
- The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
- The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
- Stop Checking Your Likes by Susie Moore
- The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman