When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, the Danes have a lot to teach the world. Known for their high quality of life, Denmark frequently ranks as one of the happiest countries on the planet. But what is the secret behind their happiness?
According to The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking, the answer lies in a uniquely Danish concept: lykke (pronounced “loo-kuh”).
Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, explores the key components of lykke and offers insights into how people worldwide can adopt these principles to lead more fulfilling lives.
Understanding Lykke: More Than Just Happiness
Lykke is the Danish word for happiness, but as Wiking describes in the book, it encompasses much more than just a fleeting emotion.
It’s about living a balanced, meaningful, and connected life. Unlike the English concept of happiness, which often focuses on individual achievement and success, lykke is about a sense of contentment, community, and the joy found in everyday moments.
It is a holistic approach to well-being that emphasises the importance of strong social ties, purposeful activities, and a connection to nature.
Wiking suggests that lykke is not a trait that some people have, and others don’t; rather, it’s a skill that can be cultivated.
The book is filled with practical examples from Denmark and around the world, showing that everyone has the potential to find lykke in their own way.
The Six Pillars of Lykke
Wiking identifies six key pillars that contribute to the experience of lykke. Each of these areas plays a vital role in building a life that is not only happy but also meaningful and balanced.
Togetherness: Strengthening Social Connections
One of the strongest predictors of happiness is the quality of our relationships. Wiking emphasises the importance of community, connection, and spending time with loved ones.
In Denmark, people often gather for hygge—a concept of cosy togetherness that might involve sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
We – human beings – are happier when we feel connected with others. And, so far, I have yet to discover a more powerful force to explain human happiness than the fulfilment of our longing for love, friendship and community.
In his research, Wiking found that Danes benefit from a sense of trust and social cohesion within their communities. They make time for friends, participate in local activities, and value time spent with family.
What we at both the Happiness Research Institute and the World Happiness Report find is that the happiest countries have a strong sense of community, and the happiest people have someone they can rely on in times of need.
Wiking encourages readers to foster their social ties by prioritising time with loved ones, making dinner about togetherness rather than just food, organising community events, or even getting to know their neighbours better.
The capacity of fire and food to bring people together is almost universal across cultures and geographical borders. And sometimes we need do no more than light a candle to create a sense of community around our dinner tables.
Building these connections, he argues, is crucial for achieving a sense of lykke.
Health: Mind and Body Well-being
Physical and mental well-being are central to happiness. The Danish lifestyle includes daily habits that promote health, such as biking to work, enjoying outdoor activities, and eating balanced meals.
Apart from the exercise that comes from walking or cycling rather than driving, studies show that both cycling and walking put us in a better mood than driving.
Wiking notes that the Danes are not extreme in their approach to health; instead, they adopt a moderate and sustainable lifestyle that includes a mix of movement and rest.
For those looking to embrace lykke, Wiking suggests focusing on small changes, such as taking walks in nature, incorporating more plant-based foods into meals, or practicing mindfulness.
Happiness tip: Visit the same spot in nature periodically over the course of a year and really be mindful as to how the landscape is changing each time.
These habits can help improve both physical and mental health, contributing to a greater sense of overall well-being.
Money: Finding Financial Balance
It’s no secret that financial stability plays a role in happiness, but Wiking stresses that money should be a means to an end, not the end itself.
While more money can increase happiness to a certain extent – especially when it relieves financial stress – beyond a certain point, it’s how we spend our money that matters more than how much we have.
Like most things, the more we have of something, the less happiness we derive from it. The first slice of cake: awesome. The fifth slice: not so good. Economists call this the law of diminishing marginal utility.
That is the reason why some countries and people get richer – but not happier. Another reason is that we adapt to new levels of wealth. In happiness research, we call this the hedonic treadmill.
In Denmark, people often prioritise spending on experiences rather than material goods. For example, they might invest in travel, cultural events, or time-saving services that allow them to focus on what they truly enjoy.
Wiking advises readers to consider what expenditures bring them joy and which ones do not, and to focus on investing in experiences that create lasting memories and foster connection.
See experiences as an investment in happy memories and in your personal story and development.
Freedom: Control Over Your Own Life
A sense of autonomy and freedom is another key component of lykke. Wiking argues that feeling in control of our own lives is essential for happiness. This doesn’t necessarily mean grand changes like quitting a job, but rather finding small ways to shape our lives according to our values.
In Denmark, workers often enjoy a good work-life balance, which allows them to spend more time on personal interests and with family. The ability to shape their daily routines according to their needs contributes to a sense of freedom.
Wiking encourages readers to find small ways to increase their autonomy, whether that means setting boundaries at work, pursuing a hobby, or creating more flexibility in their schedules.
Trust: Building Stronger Communities
Trust is a cornerstone of Danish society, and it plays a significant role in the country’s happiness. Wiking points out that trust allows people to feel safer, more connected, and more willing to contribute to their communities.
In Denmark, high levels of trust mean that people feel comfortable leaving their bikes unlocked, or that parents can trust others to look after their children in a park.
This sense of trust doesn’t only exist in Denmark – it can be cultivated in any community. Wiking suggests that people can build trust by being generous with their time, volunteering, or simply engaging more with those around them.
A successful society is one in which people have a high level of trust in each other – including family members, colleagues, friends, strangers and institutions such as government. Social trust spurs a sense of life satisfaction ~ World Happiness Report, 2015.
By fostering trust, we can create a more supportive environment for ourselves and others, contributing to a greater sense of lykke.
Kindness: The Power of Small Acts
Finally, Wiking highlights the importance of kindness and compassion. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, have a profound impact on our well-being and that of those around us.
Being kind to others creates a positive ripple effect, fostering a sense of connection and improving the mood of both the giver and the recipient.
In the book, Wiking shares stories of community initiatives, like free libraries or communal gardens, where people come together to improve their surroundings.
He suggests that readers look for small opportunities to be kind, such as helping a neighbour, supporting a local charity, leaving a gift on someone’s doorstep, buying someone flowers, making two lunches and giving one away, or giving someone a genuine compliment.
These acts of kindness contribute to a sense of purpose and connection, which are essential components of lykke.
Bringing Lykke into Your Life
The Little Book of Lykke is more than just a collection of feel-good anecdotes; it’s a practical guide to living a more meaningful and connected life. By focusing on the six pillars of togetherness, health, money, freedom, trust, and kindness, Wiking provides a roadmap for finding lykke wherever you are.
Integrating these principles into daily life doesn’t require moving to Denmark. Instead, it involves small but significant changes, like spending more time with loved ones, appreciating nature, practicing gratitude, or giving back to the community. These actions can help anyone build a life that is not only happy but also deeply fulfilling.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, The Little Book of Lykke serves as a reminder that happiness is found in the little things—sharing a meal, offering a helping hand, or enjoying a sunset. It’s a gentle nudge to slow down, connect, and find joy in the present moment.
Whether you’re looking to transform your life or simply seeking a little more balance, embracing the principles of lykke might just be the key to a brighter, more joyful future.
