Thrive is a nonfiction book by Arianna Huffington, a Greek American journalist, businesswoman, and wellness guru. In Thrive, Huffington advocates for a holistic approach to success that includes not only material prosperity but also physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Published in 2014, Thrive added to the growing interest in examining stress and burnout caused by American work culture and standards of success. Huffington points out, “To live the lives we truly want and deserve, and not just the lives we settle for, we need a Third Metric […] of success that goes beyond the two metrics of money and power” (4). This “Third Metric” of success consists of four interconnected pillars: Well-being, Wisdom, Wonder, and Giving. Huffington divides the book into sections named for these for pillars, using empirical evidence to support her arguments that holistic health and well-being are the most important investments individuals and businesses alike can make; that wisdom is inherent and universally accessible to all; that being present in the moment cultivates a sense of wonder; and, finally, that giving provides personal growth alongside societal benefits. As she discusses the ways and reasons to redefine success, Huffington provides insights from her personal experiences, including her own health crisis, which served as a wake-up call and inspired her to explore “Third Metric” living. She also relies on her mother, who embodied the “Third Metric” throughout her life, for examples and wisdom. In Thrive, Huffington’s champions of the “Third Metric” defy the pressures of American work culture and technology, proving that true success is derived from more than money and power. 

This guide refers to the print edition of Thrive published by Harmony Books in 2014.

Content Warning: This book discusses death as an idea and shares a story about grappling with addiction.

Summary

Huffington’s introduction provides an overview of the “Third Metric” and its four pillars. She introduces results from scientific studies that demonstrate the devastating cost of ignoring well-being, particularly for women. Huffington believes that the solutions include caring for one’s health, cultivating a sense of delight, reconnecting with oneself, and showing compassion through service (therein, her four pillars). Huffington promises to be both informative and practical throughout her book, which she asserts will teach readers how to “thrive.” Her introduction concludes with her own definition of what it means to thrive: “to reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and our community” (20). 

In the Well-being section, Huffington argues that true success should not be solely measured by financial wealth and professional achievements but rather should encompass all aspects of life, with well-being as its foundational pillar. She highlights the detrimental effects of the modern work culture in the West: Prioritizing career success above all else leads to burnout and stress, particularly affecting women’s health. Huffington connects the health and wellness of employees with a “healthy” bottom line for companies, citing examples and research. In order to achieve health in both personal and economic contexts, Huffington emphasizes the importance of self-care, sleep, and mindfulness as essential components of success.

In the second section titled “Wisdom,” Huffington draws a distinction between wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is a force inherent within everyone and accessible through introspection and reflection, whereas knowledge is merely acquired facts. Huffington draws upon ancient Greek philosophy and mythology for examples of wisdom, urging readers to view life as a classroom for learning and introspection. Learning opportunities are everywhere, in Huffington’s opinion; She even reflects on her own experiences, including her divorce and relationship with her ex-husband, Michael, to illustrate the transformative power of wisdom and the importance of connection and forgiveness.

Wonder is the focus of the third section, where Huffington explores the value of awe and wonder in daily life. She encourages readers to disconnect from the constant stimuli of the digital world and reconnect with the natural world. By cultivating a sense of wonder, people can perceive their surroundings rather than merely see them. Huffington emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment in order to cultivate wonder, which is essential for a truly successful life.

The final section, “Giving,” highlights the significance of compassion and philanthropy in leading a meaningful life. Huffington argues that giving is not only an outward-facing act that can foster community and connection but also a source of personal growth and internal fulfillment. She explores the science behind the positive effects of giving, from increased empathy to improved well-being. 

Overall, Thrive offers a counter-cultural argument to redefine success in a way that prioritizes well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving. Throughout, Huffington provides empirical evidence, practical insights, and actionable steps for individuals to cultivate these pillars in their lives, which she asserts will lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. The book encourages readers to take control of their own lives and contribute positively to their communities, emphasizing that the destiny of humanity depends on the choices individuals make in shaping their lives.