The Way to Happiness Campaign Strengthens a Legacy of Ethical and Civic Action in Switzerland

ZURICH, 15 October 2025 — From the streets of Zurich to the fairgrounds 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—actively promote ethical living and civic engagement across German-speaking Switzerland. They emphasize that integrity, kindness, and responsibility form the foundation of personal and social well-being.

Community Outreach in Switzerland

Over recent years, the non-profit Verein Der Weg zum Glücklichsein (The Way to Happiness Association) has brought its initiatives to Swiss cities through environmental projects, educational stands, and community partnerships. For example, at Bern’s annual BEA Spring Fair, one of the country’s most prominent civic exhibitions—visitors discovered the 21 precepts of The Way to Happiness. These include “Be Worthy of Trust,” “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” and “Safeguard and Improve Your Environment.” These principles strongly resonated with Swiss audiences who value diversity, respect, and cooperation.

The association’s volunteers also joined environmental campaigns such as the National Clean-Up Day coordinated by the IGSU (Interest Group for a Clean Environment). In 2023, they organized litter-collection activities in Bern, Bellmund, and Burgdorf. Volunteers collaborated with residents and civic organizations to improve public spaces. Recently, they set up a stand in Zurich to display public service announcements and distribute the booklet for free.

In March 2025, marking the United Nations International Day of Happiness, volunteers from Zurich and Lucerne handed out over a thousand copies of Der Weg zum Glücklichsein. They also gave small sweets with quotations from the book’s 21 precepts. This activity reflected the UN observance and showed how individual kindness and ethical behavior strengthen collective well-being. “It was heartening to see people smile and reflect,” said one volunteer. “Everyone understands that happiness grows when we help others.”

The Way To Happiness Booklet

First published in 1981, The Way to Happiness presents a non-religious moral code adopted by educators, community leaders, and volunteers worldwide. The booklet promotes honesty, tolerance, respect for others, and environmental responsibility in practical terms. In Switzerland, it also appears in Swiss-German under the title Z’Labe fagt, making its message accessible across regions.

“It provides guidance anyone can apply daily,” said a Zurich volunteer. “From being truthful to helping your neighbor, these precepts show that happiness is something we create through our actions.”

The values promoted through The Way to Happiness trace back to a long tradition of Scientology activities in Switzerland. During the 1970s, small groups formed in Zurich, Basel, and Bern. Their commitment led to the formal establishment of the first Churches of Scientology: Zurich signed its statutes on 23 February 1974, followed by Basel on 4 May 1974, and Bern on 30 May 1975. Geneva followed on 3 January 1978, and Lausanne on 15 September 1983.

Scientology Expansion History

In the following decades, additional Scientology Missions opened in Lucerne (9 August 1976), Bellinzona (18 February 1988), Zurich (22 July 1982), Lugano (18 May 1998), and Zug (9 October 2002). Individual Scientologists have served as ministers across Switzerland since the 1980s. They guide people to apply Scientology principles in daily life. This expansion reflects steady interest in L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings and their positive influence on Swiss social and cultural life.

Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology Representative to the European Union, the OSCE, Council of Europe, and the United Nations, stated:

“Across Europe, citizens seek common ground based on ethics and mutual respect. The work in Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne through The Way to Happiness shows how spiritual inspiration can transform into practical civic engagement—supporting education, environmental care, and human dignity.”

The association continues its community outreach and collaborates with civic partners. By joining events such as Clean-Up Day, World Environment Day, and International Volunteer Day, volunteers encourage people to make ethical choices that benefit society. They stress that moral education and personal integrity are essential for a healthy, inclusive community.

Promoting Ethics and Happiness

Through simple, person-to-person actions—handing out booklets, cleaning parks, or helping neighbors, the campaign shows that ethical awareness can express European ideals like cooperation, sustainability, and peace.

The Way to Happiness, written by L. Ron Hubbard in 1981, contains 21 precepts based on common sense and universal values. Millions worldwide have drawn inspiration from these precepts to live with integrity and compassion. The booklet also bridges people of all faiths and backgrounds, fostering understanding and personal responsibility.

Founded in 1952, the Church of Scientology maintains an active presence across Europe. Recognized as a bona fide religion in many countries, the Church and its members dedicate themselves to education, prevention, and community betterment. They conduct humanitarian initiatives such as The Way to Happiness, Say No to Drugs, and Youth for Human Rights. In Switzerland, Scientology has maintained organized operations since 1974, consistently contributing to moral education and social progress in harmony with Swiss and European values.

Company Details

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email

Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country: Belgium

Release Id: 16102535461