To Be Happier, Go to the Library

If you liked the Japanese tradition, here’s another one from this side of the Pacific:

Older people often draw as much happiness from ordinary experiences — like a day in the library — as they do from extraordinary ones.

For people who have not saved enough or have broken into their savings because of lost jobs and health crises, the findings offer a glimmer of hope. If you can cover basic expenses, pursuing inexpensive, everyday things that bring comfort and satisfaction can lead to happiness equal to jetting about on international trips in your 70s and 80s.”

Personally I’m still a fan of jetsetting about on international trips, so I don’t think you have to choose between travel and “ordinary experiences”—but yes, a day at the library can bring a lot of joy.

Link: Affixing More Value to the Ordinary Experiences of Life

Image: Jeff

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