In Pursuit of Happiness

Have you ever heard of the city of Solla Sollew?

It’s on the banks of the beautiful River Wah-Hoo, where they never have troubles …

at least, very few.

If you’re a Dr. Seuss fan (and, really, who isn’t?), then you may know the place I’m talking about.

Seuss’ book, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew, chronicles the quirky quest of a frustrated fellow who braves a perilous path toward the horizon of happiness.

So, what do you think—is it out there?

The horizon of happiness, I mean.

At one time or another, I think we’ve all entertained notions of greener pastures somewhere out past the perimeters of, well, HERE.

But, you have to wonder if there are actually happier places … or are certain folks just able to conjure contentment no matter where they are?

One man hopped the fence and launched his own mission to find out.

Seasoned NPR correspondent Eric Weiner traveled the world a few years ago in hot pursuit of happiness, gathering up bits of wit, wisdom, and wonder along the way. Like Dr. Seuss’ globetrotting gadabout, Weiner set out to find the elusive … state of bliss.

Curious, aren’t you?

Here are a few highlights from Eric Weiner’s book, The Geography of Bliss:

• Happiness in Thailand is attributed to avoidance of analysis and introspection.
• The Swiss create contentment by true democracy—the people have direct influence over the actions of their government.
• Bhutan Buddhists are happily free of envy.
• In England, happiness is rooted in historical pride as well as devotion to family and home.
• Icelanders take pleasure in imbibing and personal failure, and they “indulge in the enjoyment of misery.”

To each her own!

Front cover art for the book “I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew” written by Dr. Seuss. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.