Happy as a Dane: 10 Secrets of the Happiest People in the World

by Malene Rydahl

Overview

This international bestseller shows why the Danes are happy and how we can be, too.

For decades Denmark has ranked at the top of the world’s happiness surveys. How is it that these 5.6 million Danes are so content when they live in a country that is dark and cold nine months of the year and where income taxes are at almost 60 percent? At a time when talk across the Western world is focused on unemployment woes, government overreach, and anti-taxation lobbies, our Danish counterparts seem to breathe a healthier and fresher air. Interweaving anecdotes and research, Malene Rydahl explores how the values of trust, education, and a healthy work-life balance with purpose—to name just a few—contribute to a “happy” population. From eye-opening stories about open-air vegetable stands to babies safely left unattended while parents have coffee, to very generous paternity leave policies, Rydahl provides tips that we can all apply to our daily lives regardless of where we live.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393608939
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	01/10/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Born in Denmark, Malene Rydahl is a writer, executive coach, and keynote speaker on happiness and well-being, named one the top 24 Women of the Year by the French news magazine L’Express, and appointed goodwill ambassador of Copenhagen. She is based in Paris.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Once Upon a Time … 9

1 Trust: I Have Trust in People 17

2 Education: I Have a Place in Society 27

3 Freedom and Independence: I Am Free to Choose My Own Way in Life 40

4 Equal Opportunity: I Can Become Whomever I Want 49

5 Realistic Expectations: I Have Realistic Dreams 55

6 Solidarity and Respect for Others: I Feel Better If You Feel Good 62

7 Work-Life Balance: I Want Lots of Hygge Time 75

8 Relationship to Money: I'm Happy with What I've Got 87

9 Modesty: I Don't Think I'm Better Than Other People 98

10 Gender Equality: I Feel Free to Choose My Role 107

Conclusion 119

Acknowledgements 135

Notes 137

Editorial Reviews

11/21/2016
In this slim volume, Rydahl, a Danish former corporate executive named the goodwill ambassador of Copenhagen after her book’s initial publication in Europe, provides a primer to the unique attitudes and practices of her homeland. Ten simple keys characterize the social model: trust, education, freedom and independence, equal opportunity, realistic expectations, solidarity and respect for others, work-life balance, relationship to money, modesty, and gender equality. Addressing education, Rydahl asserts that Denmark does not seek to create an elite; free tuition and grants make schooling accessible to all, and high achievement ranks lower than personal happiness. As to money, she writes that Danes are quite relaxed, and that being rich is not a priority. The concept of hygge is related to work-life balance, with the Danes pursuing a friendly and familial intimacy that enhances well-being and adds meaning and purpose to life. She also makes appealing claims about gender equity in Danish life, stressing that there are few hang-ups about sex and almost no gender discrimination. Plentiful facts, data, recent sociological research, and personal stories are packed into this cogent little volume. More journalistic than prescriptive, it will complement the many other “happy Dane” books reaching the market. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"This enlightening account is a probing—and inspiring—work."

Le Figaro

"Malene Rydahl delivers an impressive and enjoyable argument in favor of the Danish recipe for happiness. It’s enough to make you book a one-way ticket to Copenhagen."

Challenges

"In this inspiring and well-researched book, by exploring ten pillars of Danish life—from the importance of trust to the value of downtime—Malene Rydahl documents the values, habits, and attitudes that have allowed Danes to live happy and fulfilling lives."

Ariana Huffington

"A praise of happiness in our daily lives."

Vanity Fair