Years-long studies of Dharma and philosophy clearly shape Laakso’s writing, which takes the form of a gently meandering study on suffering, meaning, and passion. He firmly believes in the communal work humankind must do to achieve happiness, and draws from his home country, Finland, to sift the ideas behind social democracy, reminding readers that “what we collectively believe in has never been unanimous”—but the end goal must be peace, “without the need for violent displays of power.”

Laakso's musings and reflective thoughts will prompt readers to turn within and examine their own fears—of the unknown, the past, and “of ourselves”—while intentionally finding and expressing love. Though asides into his own developed equations for “individual sustainable happiness” distract from the book’s broader themes, his writing is passionate, touching on topics that range from justice to social responsibility, and he urges readers to seek wisdom, lavishly bestow forgiveness, and nurture compassion. The future will be unpredictable, he asserts, but hope, not fear, is the antidote—“together [we] must do all we can to alleviate and dispel [fear] with courage to create hope” he advises. These tranquil introspections on our shared experiences are a soothing reminder of “how rare and fortunate it is to have been born human.”

Takeaway: Philosophical contemplations on the keys to finding happiness.

Comparable Titles: Charles P. Nemeth's Finding Happiness in a Complex World, Shawn Achor's The Happiness Advantage.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A