From the streets of Zurich to the fairs of Bern and the lakeside city of Lucerne, volunteers inspired by The Way to Happiness, the non-religious moral guide written by humanitarian and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, continue to promote ethical living and civic engagement throughout German-speaking Switzerland. Their message is simple: integrity, kindness and responsibility are the foundation of personal and social well-being.
ZURICH, October 15, 2025 — From the streets of Zurich to the fairs of Bern and the lakeside city of Lucerne, volunteers inspired by The path to happinessthe non-religious moral guide written by humanitarian and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, continues to promote ethical living and civic engagement throughout German-speaking Switzerland. Their message is simple: integrity, kindness and responsibility are the foundations of personal and social well-being.
A tradition of service and education
In recent years, the non-profit association Verein Der Weg zum Glücklichsein (Association Le chemin du Bonheur) has carried out its initiatives in Swiss towns and villages through environmental projects, educational stands and community partnerships. During events such as the annual BEA Spring Fair in Bern, one of the country’s most important civic exhibitions, visitors learned about the 21 precepts of the Way to Happiness, including “Be Trustworthy,” “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others” and “Protect and Enhance Your Environment.” These simple but universal principles have found a particular resonance with the Swiss public, accustomed to valuing diversity, respect and cooperation.
The association’s volunteers also participate in environmental campaigns such as the National Cleanup Daycoordinated by IGSU (Clean Environment Interest Group). In 2023, volunteers organized waste collection activities in Bern, Bellmund and Burgdorf, together with residents and local civic organizations to promote respect for common public spaces. The association described the efforts as “an expression of community responsibility and environmental ethics” and a few weeks ago it set up a stand in Zurich to broadcast public service announcements and distribute the booklet for free.
Celebration of the International Day of Happiness
In March 2025on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Happinessvolunteers from the Zurich and Lucerne sections distributed more than a thousand copies of Der Weg zum Glücklichsein to passers-by, as well as small candies bearing quotes taken from the 21 precepts of the book. This activity reflected the spirit of the United Nations celebration, highlighting how individual kindness and ethical behavior contribute to collective well-being. “It was heartwarming to see people smile and take a moment to think,” said one volunteer. “Everyone understood that happiness grows when we help others. »
A moral code for daily life
First published in 1981, The path to happiness is a non-religious moral code that has been translated into more than 115 languages and adopted by educators, community leaders and volunteers around the world. This booklet promotes universal values – honesty, tolerance, respect for others and responsibility for the environment – presented in simple and practical terms. In Switzerland it was also printed in Swiss German under the title Z’Läbe fägtmaking its message accessible in all linguistic regions.
“It offers advice that everyone can apply in their daily life,” said a volunteer from Zurich. “Whether it’s about being honest or helping your neighbor, these precepts remind us that happiness is not something we find, but something we create through our actions. »
The long-standing presence of Scientology in Switzerland
The values promoted by The path to happiness are rooted in a long tradition of Scientology activities in Switzerland. Since the 1970s, small groups began to form in Zurich, Basel and Bern. Their commitment quickly led to the official establishment of the first Churches of Scientology in the country: the Church of Scientology Zurich signed its founding statutes on February 23, 1974, followed by the Church of Scientology Basel on May 4 of the same year, then by the Church of Scientology Bern on May 30, 1975. The Church of Scientology Geneva was founded on January 3, 1978, and that of Lausanne on September 15, 1983.
In subsequent decades, other Scientology missions were established in Lucerne (August 9, 1976), Bellinzona (February 18, 1988), Zurich (July 22, 1982), Lugano (May 18, 1998), and Zug (October 9, 2002). Since the 1980s, Scientologists have also served as ministers across the country, helping people learn and apply the principles of Scientology in their daily lives. This continued expansion reflects an ongoing interest in the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard and their contribution to Swiss social and cultural life.
European values in action
According to Ivan Arjona-Peladorepresentative of Scientology near theEuropean Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations :
“Across continental Europe, citizens are seeking common ground based on ethics and mutual respect. The work carried out in Zurich, Bern and Lucerne as part of the program The path to happiness reflects this aspiration. It demonstrates how spiritual inspiration can be translated into concrete civic engagement, supporting education, environmental protection and human dignity,” said Mr. Arjona.
The association plans to continue its community outreach and collaboration with civic partners, aligning its efforts with events such as Clean Up Day, World Environment Day and International Volunteer Day. Its volunteers emphasize that their motivation lies in giving individuals the means to make ethical choices that contribute to the common good. In their eyes, moral education and personal integrity are essential elements of a healthy and inclusive society.
Through simple, person-to-person actions, such as handing out a booklet, cleaning a park or helping a neighbor, the campaign illustrates how ethical awareness can become a living expression of European ideals of cooperation, sustainability and peace.
About the Path to Happiness
The Path to Happiness is a non-religious moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard in 1981. Its 21 precepts, based on common sense and universal values, have inspired millions of people around the world to live with integrity and compassion. The booklet serves as a bridge between people of all faiths and backgrounds, promoting understanding and personal responsibility.
About the Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology is a contemporary religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952. Recognized as an authentic religion in many European countries, it maintains an active presence throughout the continent. The Church and its members are dedicated to education, prevention and community improvement through humanitarian initiatives such as The Way to Happiness, Say No to Drugs and Youth for Human Rights. In Switzerland, Scientology has maintained an organized presence since 1974, continuing to contribute to moral education and social progress in harmony with Swiss and European values.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
