Book Review of 'Ikigai' by Hector Garcia & Albert Liebermann

This book touches the various aspects of life which can help us achieve long happy life. It is based on an ancient, well-practiced Japanese technique called 'IKIGAI'. The authors define Ikigai and its rules based on one hundred interviews done in Ogimi, Okinawa to try to understand the longevity secrets of centenarians and supercentenarians.

The term 'Ikigai' is explained as 'the reason why you get out of bed in the morning'. It is the reason for your existence. Its the happiness of always being busy. The French might say ”raison d’etre”. It forces you to really think what’s important in life and right there lies the secret to a long and happy life. In answer to this question, you will find your own Ikigai which is a combination of your passion, your mission, and your profession. There is a passion inside you, a unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself until the very end. If you don’t know what your Ikigai is yet, as Viktor Frankl says, "your mission is to discover it.” 


The elderly of Okinawa practicing Ikigai say that the best thing about your Ikigai is that once you’ve found it, you don’t want to retire. Some 90-year-olds say they have so many plans and don’t think about dying. They always keep having a purpose for which they get out of bed in the morning. Okinawans abide by these rules and, as a result, remain active late into their lives. If they’re forced into retirement, they still find ways to remain active by doing gardening or other work in their communities.


The 10 Rules of Ikigai:

  1. Stay active; don’t retire
  2. Take it slow
  3. Don’t fill your stomach
  4. Surround yourself with good friends
  5. Get in shape for your next birthday
  6. Smile
  7. Reconnect with nature
  8. Give thanks
  9. Live in the moment
  10. Follow your Ikigai


Our Ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning. When we spend our days feeling connected to what is meaningful to us, we live more fully; when we lose the connection, we feel despair. To conclude, the book is extremely inspiring and full of content. Highly recommend reading this one!

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