In 2026, aspiring scientists can look to a curated list of nine books to help guide their career paths, offering insights into fields ranging from personal well-being to navigating the complexities of research. One such book, "Stop Chasing Happiness" by Frank Martela, published by Allen Unwin in 2025, explores the cultural mindset that contributes to Finland's consistent ranking as one of the world's happiest countries.

Finland, a Nordic nation known for its long winters and a surprising number of heavy-metal bands, has been recognized by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre, UK, as a global leader in happiness. This recognition prompted Nature to search for the world's happiest PhD students in Finland in 2025. Martela, a researcher based at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, delves into the Finnish approach to life, highlighting their acceptance of both positive and negative aspects, and their tendency to avoid ostentatious displays of wealth or achievement.

Martela advocates for "energized contentment," encouraging individuals to pursue projects they are passionate about without fixating on specific job titles or accolades. He emphasizes the importance of not being overly concerned with the opinions of others, even if it means facing disapproval. Martela believes a research career allows him to pursue his love of writing and engage in intellectual discussions with leading minds. His work provides a contrasting perspective to the often-cited pursuit of happiness, particularly relevant in the high-pressure environment of scientific research. The book offers a globally-minded perspective, drawing on Finland's unique cultural context to provide insights applicable to individuals navigating their careers worldwide.