Too often in Minnesota, home-grown talent is ignored or pooh-poohed. Our appreciation for a Prince or a Garrison Keillor increases once their abilities have been acknowledged by other, presumably more sophisticated, locales. It's as though choosing to live in Minnesota automatically delegates our artists, intellectuals and even politicians to the B-list. Explorer, researcher and New York Times best-selling author, Dan Buettner, is another example of a Minnesotan whose work should be lauded locally.

Minneapolitan Dan Buettner holds world records in endurance bicycling, travels the world investigating longevity and happiness, raises money for local charities and is the author of a new book, Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way. In his book, Buettner identifies four "hot spots of happiness" including communities in Denmark, Singapore, Mexico and, in the United States, San Luis Obispo, California. Minneapolis is not one of the happiest cities and the United States only ranks 20th in the list of happiest countries in the world. We may never compete with San Louis Obispo, but there are lessons to be learned from Thrive that could transform the Twin Cities into a happier place to live. "More than any other factor, including income, education level, and religion," Buettner writes, "the place where you live determines your level of happiness." Given that, we can either choose to look for happiness in one of the happiest countries in the world, such as Costa Rica, Denmark or Iceland, or we can consciously make decisions that will increase our happiness right here at home, and Buettner has suggestions for ways to do that. Topping the list for creating happy communities is economic freedom as exemplified by the freedom for people to start and run new businesses. Low unemployment makes for happier communities, as does tolerance. Nations accepting of other cultures, religions and sexual orientations are happier than those that allow discrimination. A transparent, trustworthy and democratic government is also a critical component of happiness in communities. What would we need to do to make Minnesota a happier place to live? In part, Buettner suggests:

  • Providing more community spaces such as parks and gardens and pedestrian malls where residents can socialize.
  • Limiting the hours of shopping so time for family, friends and hobbies replaces the "fleeting, extrinsic satisfaction" that comes with buying things.
  • Limiting the hours worked weekly to allow more time for socializing, education, volunteerism, the arts and sports.
  • Funding the arts.
  • Encouraging healthier lifestyles by building sidewalks and bike lanes.

I have two additional suggestions for making Minnesota a happier place. First, I would provide every elected official in the state with a copy of Thrive so they understand how decisions they make this year will affect the future of Minnesota. And second, I would acknowledge and celebrate the talent that exists in our own backyard with Dan Buettner and his work being just one more example of what makes this such a vibrant community.