In the daily rush of life, amidst the multitude of duties and the constant pursuit of success, we increasingly ask ourselves: what is happiness really and how to achieve it? We look for answers everywhere – in books, social media, and even from coaches and therapists. Meanwhile, various cultures around the world have developed their own concepts of a good life for centuries, which can be valuable guides for us. Scandinavian hygge and lagom, Japanese ikigai and wabi-sabi, or Finnish sisu are not just trendy words, but practical philosophies that help us find balance, meaning, and joy in everyday life. In this article, you will learn about five fascinating approaches to happiness from different corners of the world, which teach us that true joy often lies in simplicity, mindfulness, and appreciating what we already have.
Lagom – the Swedish philosophy of moderation
Lagom, which loosely translates to "not too much, not too little, just right", is a Swedish concept of life with roots in Viking times. Behind this inconspicuous word lies an entire philosophy of living in harmony, balance and moderation. It is not just a way of thinking, but a practical ability to find the golden mean in all aspects of everyday life.
How does lagom work in practice? Imagine that your life is a buffet plate – according to lagom, you should neither leave an empty plate (too little) nor pile a tower of food on it that threatens to collapse (too much). You should take exactly as much as you need – without excessive consumerism, but also without unnecessary sacrifices. The Swedes apply this principle in work organization (without the cult of overtime), in interior design (functional, but cozy) and in social relations.
In a world where extreme approaches reign supreme on Instagram, lagom is a reminder that the happiest societies don’t strive to maximize everything. If lagom had its own social media account, its status would probably be: “In the pursuit of more, we often lose what is enough” – which may be why Sweden regularly ranks among the world’s happiest countries. Because as the Swedes say: when everyone gets an equal share of the cake of happiness, everyone gets a sweet enough slice!
Ikigai and Wabi-Sabi – the Japanese approach to life
At the heart of Japanese philosophy lie two fascinating concepts – Ikigai i Wabi-Sabi, which have shaped Eastern wisdom for centuries. Ikigai, translated as “reason for living,” encourages us to find the harmonious point where four key elements intersect: what we love to do, what we are good at, what the world can pay us for, and what the world needs. It is at this unique intersection that we find our true meaning of existence, our daily motivation to get out of bed every morning.
Oh Wabi-Sabi, how beautiful you are in your imperfection! Your philosophy teaches us to accept transience, to respect the signs of time and to celebrate natural imperfections. In a world striving for perfection, you remind us that cracked pottery glued with gold (kintsugi) becomes more precious than a perfectly smooth surface. Wabi-Sabi allows us to see the charm in simple, used objects, in asymmetry and raw textures, showing that true beauty does not lie in impeccability but in authenticity.
Practicing these philosophies in our daily lives brings a profound shift in perspective. Ikigai teaches us patience and perseverance in finding our own path, while Wabi-Sabi helps free us from the constant pursuit of perfection. The Japanese have used these concepts for centuries to find the balance between ambition and acceptance, between striving for a goal and appreciating the present moment. At a time when Western societies are experiencing a growing epidemic of burnout and existential emptiness, these ancient Eastern wisdoms offer an alternative path—the path of mindfulness, respect for nature, and celebrating every imperfect moment.
Sisu and Fika – Nordic concepts of balance
Content is a Finnish concept representing inner strength and determination. It is the ability to overcome adversity, not give up in the face of challenges and persistently pursue a goal even when the path seems impossible. The Finns believe that each of us has this hidden strength within us that helps us survive even the toughest storms of life. Sisu is expressed in everyday life through consistency in action, calm self-confidence and courage. Today you can find your inner sisu by taking on a challenge that you have been avoiding for fear of failure.
In turn, the Swedish coffee break is a counterbalance to intense effort. It is more than just a coffee break – it is a conscious pause in the daily rush, a celebration of small pleasures and building interpersonal bonds. During fika, it is not time that counts, but the quality of presence. Swedes believe that regular breaks increase productivity and improve well-being. In a world of constant pursuit of success, fika reminds us of the value of rest and true contact with another person. Introduce a Finnish custom into your life today – plan a 15-minute break, brew a good coffee or tea, prepare a small treat and fully consciously enjoy this moment.
The combination of sisu and fika creates a harmonious rhythm of life – intensive activity interspersed with moments of respite. It is like breathing in and out, the rhythm of the heart, the ebb and flow. The Nordic model of balance teaches us that true strength does not lie in constant tension, but in the skillful balance between effort and regeneration. Perseverance in pursuing goals also requires the ability to stop and recharge. Choose one specific activity that requires your sisu and plan a reward in the form of fika after it – you will feel how these two concepts support each other, creating a more complete experience of life.
Comparison of life philosophies from different cultures
As the world has been consumed by the pursuit of material goods, different cultures have developed unique approaches to finding happiness and harmony over the centuries. These philosophies, rooted deeply in the traditions of individual nations, offer us signposts to a life of balance and fulfillment.
As the clocks continually count down the moments of our daily lives, it is worth stopping and looking at the wisdom that these concepts carry – each of them, like a jewel polished over generations, shines with its own, unique light.
| Philosophy | Origin | Key values | Practical application | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosy | Denmark | Coziness, comfort, celebrating simple moments | When the sky is covered in a cloak of darkness, lighting candles, wrapping yourself in a soft blanket and enjoying a hot drink in the company of loved ones | Candle, fireplace, wool blanket |
| Just right | Sweden | Moderation, balance, "not too much, not too little" | As the first rays of sunlight awaken nature, choosing only what is truly necessary and avoiding overconsumption | Balanced weight, natural materials |
| Ikigai | Japan | The meaning of life, passion, fulfillment | In moments when the moon rises above the horizon, finding the point of connection between what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs and what we can be paid to do | Intersecting circles, cherry blossoms |
| Wabi-Sabi | Japan | Acceptance of imperfection, beauty in transience | As the leaves change colour, heralding the arrival of cooler days, appreciating objects that bear the marks of time and celebrating their history | Cracked ceramics, patina on metal |
| Content | Finland | Perseverance, inner strength, courage | When the winter chills cover the world in white, not giving in to adversity and finding the strength to |
Philosophies of Life That Change Everyday Life – A Summary of Wisdom from Different Cultures
We have learned about six fascinating life philosophies that, despite their different cultural roots, share a common goal – the pursuit of happiness, balance and authenticity. Danish hygge teaches us to appreciate cosy moments, Swedish lagom encourages moderation, Japanese ikigai helps us find the meaning of life, wabi-sabi accepts imperfection, Finnish sisu gives strength in hardships and Swedish fika reminds us of the value of small pleasures.
Each of these philosophies offers us something valuable: peace instead of haste, balance instead of extremes, meaning instead of emptiness. These wisdoms, although they come from different corners of the world, can be a universal guide in everyday life.
Maybe it's time to consciously choose the elements that resonate with your soul? Maybe it's time to introduce hygge to your home, ikigai to your work, and sisu to your daily challenges? You don't have to choose just one philosophy - you can create your own mosaic of wisdom to guide you.
Start today. Choose one practice from the philosophies you have learned and introduce it into your life for a week. Observe the changes. Share your experiences. Create your own philosophy of happiness, drawing on the wisdom of cultures around the world.
Because happiness, balance, and meaning are possible. They are within reach. They are in the small decisions we make every day.
Frequently asked questions
Which philosophy of happiness is easiest to introduce into everyday life?
Fika and hygge are the easiest to start with. Just take regular coffee breaks with friends (fika) or create a cozy atmosphere at home with candles and blankets (hygge).
Can you combine different philosophies of happiness?
It is absolutely possible to combine elements of different philosophies. Many people draw inspiration from lagom (moderation), ikigai (meaning of life) and hygge (coziness) simultaneously, adapting them to their own needs and cultural conditions.
How to find your ikigai?
To find your ikigai, it’s worth considering four areas: what you love to do, what you’re good at, what you can get paid to do, and what the world needs. The place where these areas intersect is your ikigai.
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