Happiness by Matthieu Ricard

Book Review

What’s your favorite beverage to drink while reading? I think it’s safe to say mine is a toss up between coffee and wine ☕️🍷😎

Time for my monthly Literti book review! This month, I felt like reading a bit of nonfiction, so I decided to join Richard Branson’s club. One of my favorite things about Literati is that you can change book clubs month-to-month once the titles for the new month are released. Next month, I’m joining the Joseph Campbell Foundation book club to read Piranesi. For more info on Literati, check out my story highlight.

On to the book review…

This book is very reminiscent of The Four Agreements, The Power of Now and 10% Happier (yes, I used to have a major thing for self-help books… in fact, I think that’s one of the things that sparked my love of reading as an adult - searching for answers and contentment through other’s defining experiences and life lessons).

Written by a Tibetan Buddhist monk, it’s no surprise that this book largely focuses on Buddhism and the philosophical concepts behind the religious ideology. To summarize the author’s guide to happiness in a few key points…

1. Focus on the present moment - live in the now. Fixating on the past or worrying about the future only perpetuate suffering

2. People who live their lives with genuine kindness, altruism and optimism are significantly happier than people who are selfish, quick to anger or pessimistic.

3. Meditation and mindfulness are key practices to master in order to achieve optimal happiness

While this was an interesting read, I was hoping the book would include more scientific research and studies citing different societies’ way of living; but rather, it largely consisted of theoretical, anecdotal and intangible concepts and theories. I certainly think this one will appeal to those looking to further their knowledge of Buddhism and/or expand their consciousness by looking at the world in a new light… it was just a bit too philosophical for me.

If you’re looking for an easily digestible self-help book about happiness and meditation that is more story-driven, rather than philosophy focused, I recommend picking up 10% Happier by Dan Harris. 👌🏼