Happiness quotient

by | Jan 22, 2009

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!

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