Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

When you know what your purpose is in life, it’s much easier to approach each day with gusto. Ikigai is the “place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect.” The authors discovered this philosophy while researching longevity in Okinawa (a Japanese Blue Zone). Ikigai suggests that meaning in life is not created but rather discovered. Ikigai cautions against traditional retirement and asserts the importance of helping out and participating in the larger world–at all stages of life. Moderation, flow, resilience, friendship, nature, exercise, cheer, and gratitude are elements of Ikigai discussed in this jewel of a book.