Happiness And Human Progress
Summary
Happiness is presented as a subjective measure of human development shaped by economic sufficiency, health, education, freedom and social justice. The article contrasts wealthy countries with varying happiness levels and highlights Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and the UN’s World Happiness Report.
Key Points
- Happiness is described as a socio-psychological state that reflects whether basic economic, social and psychological needs are met.
- The article cites the Easterlin Paradox and argues that economic growth alone does not guarantee higher average happiness.
- Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and the UN’s World Happiness Report are presented as key attempts to measure happiness as a development index.
- True happiness is said to depend on wellbeing, freedom, inclusion and continuous improvement in human conditions.
