Gross National Happiness: Bhutan Inspires the World

The positive story of the Kingdom of Bhutan is a source of inspiration in these times of crisis. Bhutan opts for a development philosophy that focuses on the well-being of its population and the environment, Gross National Happiness. How did Gross National Happiness come about? What exactly does it mean? What is its effect? ​​And how can we translate it to our Western world? Is it a solution for our social, economic and environmental problems? Is there a connection between collective well-being and individual happiness? This book outlines the background against which Gross National Happiness came about and then describes what it actually means, both for Bhutan and for us. Maarten Desmet, together with thinkers from our country, investigates the possibilities of the model. Gross National Happiness offers a positive and constructive story. With contributions by: Jacques Haers, Gunter Pauli, Han Vandevyvere, Edel Maex, Francine Mestrum, Herman Toch, Marleen Temmerman, Antoon Vandevelde, Jef Peeters, Yasmine Kherbache, Dirk De Wachter, Leonor Wiesbauer, Rik Pinxten, Peter van Rompuy, Bernard Lietaer, Philippe Vandenbroeck, Anna Luyten