Where Bliss Lives: Good Interview with Eric Weiner |
 Before your next trip abroad, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by NPR National Correspondent Eric Weiner. A self-described unhappy American, Weiner set out on a journey to a diverse array of countries, some of which purportedly contain high numbers of truly happy people (Thailand), while others (like Moldova) are hotbeds of misery. His conclusions on what makes some countries "happy places" and others just the opposite is an excellent meditation on cultural differences and the ways geographic, environmental, historic and socio-economic circumstances shape the spirits of the world's varied populations.
NPR affiliate KQED radio featured Weiner today on its Forum program - of you've got some time to kill, it's worth a listen. During the show, Weiner discusses such things as Bhutan's economy of happiness, waxes philosophic on the mystery of the Swiss population's contentment (hint: lots of chocolate, legal euthanasia and public transportation that actually runs on schedule, go figure) and lies about his hair.
Interview with Eric Weiner on KQED
Don't have time to listen, but want to know more about the jist of the book? Here's an interview with the author: Q&A with Eric Weiner.
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POSTED BY SYSADMIN - FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2008
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