Lili Wilkinson quoted someone who said that libraries** are happiness engines, in that they provide:
1. Satisfying work to do
2. The experience of being good at something
3. Time spent with people we like
4. The chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.
I reckon these pithily sum up what is needed for a satisfying life (although there are plenty more theories around – just try googling ‘four elements of happiness’ and see what you come up with.)
I would also add that you don’t need to get these from one source – as long as you can get each from somewhere, you’re home free.
And for me, number five would be ‘a decent whack of lying-around-reading holidays.’
Any other ideas on the essential elements of happiness?
** All hail libraries and librarians!