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by Foehammer from Houston

Last Post 5 days, 19 hours Ago


Wealth does not mean happiness
Jul 3, 2008 | 10:49 AM
Category: News
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Denmark 'world's happiest nation' Man laughing Personal freedom is more important than money, the authors say

Denmark is the happiest country in the world, according to the latest World Values Survey published by the United States National Science Foundation.

The annual study surveyed people in 97 countries to discover who is happiest.

The survey asked people two simple questions about their happiness and their level of satisfaction with life.

Puerto Rico and Colombia completed the top three happiest nations. Zimbabwe was found to be the least happy, with Russia and Iraq also in the bottom 10.

The study was directed by University of Michigan professor Ronald Inglehart. He says that unlike other studies, which have focused on economic factors, his research has found that financial prosperity is not the only reason for happiness.

"Our research indicates prosperity is linked with happiness. It does contribute," he says, "but it is not the most important factor.

"Personal freedom is even more important, and it's freedom in all kinds of ways. Political freedom, like with democracy and freedom of choice."

A happier world

The world is becoming a happier place overall, according to the survey, which has been conducted since 1981.

Man holds $1000 note Zimbabwe has suffered hyperinflation and political violence.

Dr Inglehart says that gender quality is also an indicator of happiness, as is rising social tolerance. He says that both of these things have risen dramatically in recent years.

The world's wealthiest nation, the United States, was found to be the world's 16th happiest country, behind Switzerland, Canada and Sweden.

The study also found that the countries at the bottom of the list all struggle with widespread poverty or authoritarian governments.

Zimbabwe, which is gripped by hyperinflation, and has recently seen a controversial presidential election marred by violence, was found to be the least happy nation amongst the countries covered by the survey.

Well, I guess it's true then...having money does not always mean a person is happy.  Considering we are still the wealthiest country in the world, we are only #16 on the "happy chart".  So tell me...what makes you happy?  Is it money?  Good health?

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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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torchbearer read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 12:29 PM

My relationship with God--
He guides my hands & words, so I am truly blessed!
(Being secure with no worries help a lot--lol!)
chassan read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 9:05 PM

Foehammer,

Helping others makes me happy and taking the time to enjoy the outdoors makes me feel good,too.

What about you?
Wonderful-World read my blog view my photos
Jul 4, 2008 | 8:35 AM

Odd that Colombia is in the top three.

My grandson and family make me happier than anything else. I enjoy doing random acts of kindness, i.e. paying it forward. Working in my garden and being outside makes me very happy. I also find happiness in my work - I actually enjoy being able to say to myself "job well done".
redtractortom read my blog
Jul 5, 2008 | 2:25 PM

Foe, wealth may not buy happiness but it sure does make being unhappy easier.

I was actually happier when I didn't have much. Now I have gotten most of what I want I have to protect it from being stolen. I was happier when all our friends gathered at our home to visit. All of us sat outside when the weather would allow it! We didn't have much but we shared with all.

Good health would make me happy but I sure won't ever have that again.
juststop read my blog
Jul 5, 2008 | 7:33 PM

True wealth - enough so that you could spend your days devising ways to give it to worthy causes - would bring sheer bliss!
cybertoothtiger read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 7:44 PM

Money helps, but writing makes me happy.
My wife Trish, my two wonderful pets, Rygel and Chancey. A cool evening breeze while I relax in the evening, a fresh snow, or a big fat Vinte Mocha in the morning at starbucks in NYC. love sitting outside and watching people.
But as far as the money thing, I have had little to nothing, and I do have two mill. It doesnt affect me in that way. I enjoy life and concider myself quite happy.....

keep on groovin baby...........

M.T.D.
THE COSMIC ZIONIST TIGER
kagua2 read my blog
Jul 6, 2008 | 3:25 PM

My cousin-in-law received almost a million because of a work injury. He has 4 vehicles, a trailer, and is currently using crack. According to my mother-in-law, he walks around with wads of cash, yet has no real friends. So, to me, he is a perfect example of wealth not buying happiness.
Foehammer read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 3:44 PM

Chassan - Well, when the kids and the wife are happy...I'm in heaven. But for me...fishing makes me happy.

It's relaxing and gives me time to think.
ebannahan
Jul 6, 2008 | 5:53 PM

Being able to spend quality time with my family and my friends is what makes me happy. I tend to agree that money does not buy nor bring happiness. For example, I have a friend that is so consumed with being financially "well off" that she is currently working 3 jobs. While I commend my friend for working so hard and for being determined, I also see the negative impact that this drive for the almighty dollar has taken. The relationship amongst friends has become strained due to the lack of time, or effort, put into them. Plus, whenever we hang out it feels more like a business meeting than two friends meeting up to catch up with one another. In addition, the hunger for success and money has dramatically detered any person who was remotely interested in trying to date my friend. Ultimately, money can bring happiness, however it is the type of happiness that is fleeting.
Wonderful-World read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 9:32 AM

I've been from one end of the financial spectrum (only enough money to buy beans and rice to eat for the month) to the other (limousines at my disposal). I want to say that I was happiest in the middle of the two extremes, but I wonder how happy I would be if my family wasn't secure financially. It has been many years since I felt that sinking feeling of wondering which bill I could pay and which ones had to wait, but it is not a feeling I will ever forget. I have always remembered where I came from and my struggles - one never knows when they may find themselves returning to their past. That's humbling.

This blog is odd to me, Foe, because lately I have been singing "Luchenbach Texas" in my head, and really appreciating the words. Where's the best place to fresh-water fish around here, and who sells live worms?
Foehammer read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 12:32 PM

You know WW...I couldn't tell you much about live worms or freshwater spots. I've been itching to go but I have yet to make it out there. I do must of my fishing in freeport or in Galveston.
Wonderful-World read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 2:45 PM

Nothing was biting on Lake LBJ the last week of June :-(
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Foehammer

Apartment property manager, father of 3 children and devoted husband.

Member Since: 9/13/2007


 

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