If you are searching for happiness, where should you start?

The answer may be found in the Campus Community Book Project’s selection for 2009-10, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World. Written by Eric Weiner, a self-professed grump, the book seeks to find the happiest places on Earth.

“It was partly a selfish quest,” Weiner said in a phone interview, “because I’m not a particularly happy person and never have been.”

His previous experience in journalism, working for National Public Radio, also sparked his interest in this journey.

“When you are sent on assignment for something like NPR, you see some of the least happy places, and least happy people in the world. While it is definitely worthwhile, it can be a bummer after a while,” Weiner said.

He added, “I got tired of focusing on the unhappy places in the world, I wanted to use my skills as a journalist and a traveler to find out where the happiest places in the world are.”

Now, Weiner believes that geography has a direct correlation to happiness.

“Where we are affects who we are,” he said. “You would be surprised, but most of the world is happy.”

After experiencing the culture of happy countries, Weiner changed his own outlook, if only slightly.

“The book did leave me marginally happy,” Weiner said. “In small ways I try to incorporate the lessons from the book. One thing I’ve learned is that 100 percent of our happiness is defined by our relationships with those around us,” he said.

Another important lesson Weiner learned from his research came from the outlook of people in Thailand, and their expression “mai pen rai” which translates literally to “never mind.” The Thai people, he said, tend to not fret about a problem that has no apparent solution.

This mentality of relaxation is a large reason for the Thai’s ultimate happiness, he added. Adopting this view into one’s life may lead to less stress and more happiness.

Toward this, the topic for this year was emotional and psychological health and well being, said Mikael Villalobos, administrator of diversity education at UC Davis and chair of the Campus Community Book Project.

Theme was ‘a departure’

“It is a departure from the last seven books that were chosen for the book project,” Villalobos said. “It’s what I would consider ‘lighter’ compared to the heavier topics of previous books chosen by the selection committee in past book projects.

Part of defining emotional and psychological health is examining how people define happiness, Villalobos added. Weiner adds a cross-cultural aspect to the definition of happiness that is compelling, he said.

In light of the current nationwide economic situation, the committee felt it would be a good idea to present the community with a positive book to add some levity in the face of challenging times, he added.

The committee concluded their deliberations in the fall of 2008, when the national economy had begun its downward spiral.

While some were concerned that the book might not be academic enough, most committee members shared Villalobos’ sentiment that this book would be an upbeat and positive option to present to the community.

There was also concern that choosing a book that was “too academic” would turn off students, said Scott Weintraub, assistant general manager with Unitrans and committee member.

The book appeals to people on multiple levels, and remains readily accessible to the whole community,” Weintraub said. “People can find happiness and joy in their life in a whole variety of different ways that can be measured by a variety of different metrics.”

After a string of books that were based on heavier topics, Weiner’s book was a much needed departure from the norm, he said.

“People on the committee wanted something that was a little more upbeat, and a little less serious,” Weintraub said.

Conversational tone

Also, the conversational tone of this book will appeal to a variety of people without scaring them off, he said.

Nicki King, Cooperative Extension specialist with the Department of Human and Community Development, agrees with Weintraub that the cross cultural aspect of the book was crucial.

It was important to keep the entire UC Davis community in mind throughout the selection process because of its diversity, King said.

“I think the cross-cultural element of the book is important,” she said. “Happiness really does have a cultural context.”

Also, in light of the events going on in the United States, this book provided some much needed optimism and spirit, King added.

“Everyone is so embroiled with the troubles of the economy, world and politics,” she said. “When I started thinking about the campus community, I hoped we would get something (out of the book project) that would add a little lightness.”

The fact that the book provided optimism and a lighthearted tone in the face of the country’s current struggle, was a deciding factor for some committee members.

“In these economic and uncertain times, it’s good to have something positive to reflect on,” said Genevieve Siwabessy, assistant manager of the MU games area and book project committee member.

‘What makes us happy’

While some of the themes in the book are serious, she said, the more conversational tone makes it accessible to any reader.

“It’s easy to read, easy to digest and the points are relevant,” Siwabessy added.

The author addresses the question of what it means to be happy, she said. He visits countries that have a lot of money but are not necessarily happy, which begs the question, “what is it that makes us happy?”

“I think the book really does stretch your mind,” Siwabessy said. “Because it does highlight a lot of different cultures, it does help us look at what happiness means to people.”

A roundtable discussion will be held from 12:10-1:30 p.m. April 8, in the Memorial Union’s Fielder Room to discuss the 2009-10 Campus Community Book Project selection and its integration into courses and programs across campus. All members of the campus community are welcome to participate.

AUTHOR'S TALK

Eric Weiner will appear at the Mondavi Center on Dec. 1. His book, The Geography of Bliss, was scheduled to be available this week at the campus bookstore in the MU. The discounted price is $9.95.

More information: ericweinerbooks.com.

Caitlin Cobb is a Dateline intern.