by Tyler_JC » Mon 18 May 2009, 01:54:25
Read your own darn article, jboogy.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')ccording to a 2005 editorial, published in the British Medical Journal and authored by Dr. Tony Delamothe, research done in Mexico, Ghana, Sweden, the U.S. and the U.K. shows that individuals typically get richer during their lifetimes, but not happier. It is family, social and community networks that bring joy to one's life, according to Delamothe.
The OECD data shows that another important factor is work-life balance. While Scandinavian countries boast a high GDP per capita, the average workweek in that part of the world is no more than 37 hours. In China, which got a low score of just 14.8, the workweek is 47 hours and the GDP per capita is just $3,600.
Low unemployment also contributes to happiness. "One thing we know for sure," says the OECD's Chapple, "not having a job makes one substantially less satisfied." Denmark's unemployment rate is just 2%, according the C.I.A.'s World Factbook. Norway's is just 2.6%. The Netherlands: just 4.5%. Many economists concur that a 4% unemployment rate reflects a stable economy. The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 9%.
If you're looking for a real article on this subject, I suggest this one by the author of Gross National Happiness.
Can Money Buy Happiness?Basically, money doesn't buy happiness, success does. If you feel successful, you will be happier.
The more successful people in a given society tend to be happier than the less successful people, regardless of income levels. Success is sometimes measured in monetary terms but is more often measured on the immeasurable like faith, family, and personal self esteem.