This Stanford professor discovered the key to happiness in Bhutan.

What is the secret to human happiness? This is a question that has puzzled many, including Ron Gutman, who has devoted a significant portion of his career to studying the subject.

Stanford adjunct professor, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and award-winning inventor Gutman is renowned for his 2011 TED Talk "The hidden power of smiling," which has garnered over 6.5 million views.

He decided to conduct real-world research to learn more about human happiness.

In October 2024, Gutman embarked on a three-week expedition to the South Asian nation of Bhutan, which is officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan and is situated on the eastern slopes of the Himalayas. Gutman journeyed through the mountains alongside scholars, religious leaders, and locals.

Journeying through Bhutan

Bhutan, situated between India and China, is renowned for its philosophy of putting people's happiness and well-being above economic growth.

In the 1970s, Bhutan's fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, introduced the concept of "Gross National Happiness," stating that it was more crucial than "Gross Domestic Product," as per a 2024 report by the OECD.

Researching Bhutan, known for emphasizing happiness, led me to gain a deeper understanding of it, according to Gutman, who shared this with CNBC Make It.

"I wanted to understand it from their perspective, so I decided to go and listen to them, the people who have been acquiring this knowledge for many years," he said.

Gutman's journey through Bhutan, situated in the Himalayas, involved mostly climbing, with him traveling by foot or local transportation from 1,000 to almost 14,000 feet in elevation. He was surrounded by the country's stunning scenery throughout the trip.

Bhutan prioritizes environmental sustainability and conservation, with its forests covering over 70% of its land, making it the first "carbon-negative" country in the world, as stated in a 2023 report.

The country is steeped in tradition," he remarked. "Their reverence for nature is evident; they are meticulous in safeguarding it. For them, nature is sacred, and any attempt to harm it requires a special permit.

According to Gutman, many local Bhutanese people consider their lives to be inextricably linked to nature, viewing themselves as not separate from it but as an integral part of it.

The key to happiness: simplicity

According to Gutman, the key to human happiness is to simplify.

Gutman stated that as he advances in his research on happiness, he gains a deeper understanding of it, and the more he connects it to mindfulness.

During his journey, he found out that happiness is linked to mindfulness, which can be experienced in nature, by observing the locals and talking to the clergy.

"Gutman stated that in contemporary society, we are highly focused on external events and are constantly bombarded with stimuli. At some point, we become so engrossed in these external factors that we feel like we are trapped. In contrast, nature provides a calming contrast as it simply exists without any effort."

As nature unfolds, you can recognize that your consciousness arises from it. In essence, consciousness is also empty, as I discovered.

Gutman refers to it as the "unchanging self." He discovered that, like nature, human consciousness remains tranquil regardless of where you are or what you're doing. Whether you're lounging in a field by a secluded lake or rushing between appointments in a bustling city, your identity and consciousness remain constant.

"We essentially choose to feel stressed by all these sensory emotions... because in reality, our inner selves are peaceful and devoid, aren't they?" he remarked.

Bhutan's challenges

But not everything is rosy — Bhutan has its fair share of challenges.

The country exited the United Nations' Least Developed Countries category in December 2021, with a gross domestic product per capita per year of approximately $3,700, according to World Bank data from 2022.

"Gutman stated that poverty could be viewed as low GDP, and although their lives are challenging due to their financial circumstances, they remain content."

The Bhutanese government is striving to fortify the economy while maintaining its commitment to environmental preservation, as exemplified by the implementation of a daily tourism fee and the concept of "Gross National Happiness." Gutman views Bhutan as a model for sustainable development that preserves age-old wisdom accumulated over centuries.

In many Western and developed countries, individuals are frequently in a hurry, not only in their daily routines but also in their approach to innovation and economic development.

As we strive for innovation, speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, we often overlook the importance of maintaining a strong foundation. Consequently, we are constructing on shaky ground.

"Bhutanese people excel at maintaining their strong core of beliefs, morals, ethics, and mindfulness as the foundation of their progress, which may be slower but more solid, something to learn from."

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