---
product_id: 1697256
title: "A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan"
brand: "madeline drexler"
price: "¥2112"
currency: JPY
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1697256-a-splendid-isolation-lessons-on-happiness-from-the-kingdom-bhutan
store_origin: JP
region: Japan
---

# A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan

**Brand:** madeline drexler
**Price:** ¥2112
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan by madeline drexler
- **How much does it cost?** ¥2112 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/1697256-a-splendid-isolation-lessons-on-happiness-from-the-kingdom-bhutan)

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- madeline drexler enthusiasts

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## Description

A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan

## Images

![A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AD5FPqjEL.jpg)
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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Excellent preface to much needed Internal, National & World Discussions
  

*by L***K on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 2, 2014*

Madeline Drexler has achieved a very rare quality with her essay, "A Splendid Isolation..." through the use of her years of experience as an investigative reporter on rather complex and delicate subjects; through her amazing compassion, never-ending curiosity, and clear, objectective thinking; and through her surprising willingness to allow her readers a glimpse into her personal spiritual journeys and how those affected or were affected by what she learned from Bhutan. The author's factual research is extensive and impeccable, yet it is how she wove the essential facts together with her observations, conversations and impressions upon every sensation she experienced that allowed me to feel as if I were there.As described by Drexler and the leaders of Bhutan that she spoke to, GNH (Gross National Happiness) is an ideal that Bhutan's visionary leaders over the last 40 years have strove to achieve, and while it has yet to be accomplished, its' guiding principles have produced a kinder and gentler population. Drexler had extraordinary access to the driving forces behind GNH, to those who's job it is to implement the various facets necessary to achieve that mission, as well as to the people, young and old, who are the beneficiaries and/or objectors to a government that stresses spiritual happiness over consumerism, self-reliance, and just about every step comprising Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Her people skills in getting her subjects to open up was topped only by her skills as a listener, to what was and was not being said.Clearly, the author went to Bhutan expecting it to be more than a working vacation, but any answers she originally sought appear to have been more elusive than expected and instead gave way to perhaps the deepest, most profound question that faces humankind, which in my own words is: "Can we (and will we) save our species from ourselves?" There are no quick answers and perhaps there can never be a "right" answer, atleast not as long as we remain "human". But Madeline Drexler has brought that question to the forefront at an extremely timely point in modern history. Let's keep the discussion going.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    A Fascinating Look at Bhutan
  

*by R***T on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 22, 2017*

While on a trip to Bhutan, I was made aware of this book. After spending ten days in the country, I appreciated the contents of the variety of essays written by Drexler. Her essays provide an examination of a variety of aspects of Bhutan, specifically the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as viewed from different perspectives within the country. This book is written for a specific audience--people interested in Bhutan, people who will or who have traveled to Bhutan.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    An interesting challenge.....
  

*by K***H on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 2, 2014*

This thoughtful essay offers a wonderful opportunity to see how the lofty ideals of good will, kindliness, and  living well actually manifest in the country of Bhutan, even as it is confronted with the challenges of social change.Madeline Drexler's fascination with the question, `How is Gross National Happiness actually possible in the country of Bhutan?' presents both a challenge and a possibility to her reader.  While I have historically thought the goal of  `gross national happiness'  was somewhat saccharine or  naieve at best, I was delighted to read how smart and savvy folk are actually implementing public policy according to  specific criteria related to the health and well being of the country.  No, the process is not easy, and is apparently a constant challenge given the heavily western-influenced changes in that Bhutan is currently experiencing.  But what Drexler found and shares with us is how these concerns have been institutionalized into the basic workings of social and governmental life and how specific persons are working with  the ongoing challenge of implementation.Who says it isn't possible to change the way we individually and collectively live in our own country?  Can we imagine what might be different if we were to change some of our national priorities and dynamics?  Yes, it would require a radical shift from our values of individualism,  competition and achievement to those of community, wholesome living, and care for the earth and each other.  Even the possibility sounds heartening to me.Are we willing to expand our vision for what is possible here?  Read the essay and challenge yourself.  We don't have to go to Bhutan to be inspired.

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*Product available on Desertcart Japan*
*Store origin: JP*
*Last updated: 2026-03-02*