|
| Happiness by Country What Do YOU Think and Why?? |
|
| |
People generally agree about what they mean by happiness. It is a positive, enduring state that consists of positive feelings...and includes both peace of mind and active pleasures or joy. People may pursue happiness differently...But by and large it is the same happiness for everyone. Happiness is no mystery. Most people are quite clear about what happiness is, and can easily describe how happy or not they are. Most people also consider happiness their most important goal in life. Fox news just said America is ranked #23 among world's happiest countries. Happiness refers to the emotion, mood, and state of happiness.
Researchers at a Britain's University of Leicester did the study. Researcher Adrian White's research used a battery of statistical data, plus the subjective responses of 80,000 people worldwide, to map out well-being across 178 countries. Denmark and five other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Iceland, came out in the top 10, while Zimbabwe and Burundi pulled up the bottom.
Not surprisingly, the countries that are happiest are those that are healthy, wealthy, and wise. "The most significant factors were health, the level of poverty, and access to basic education," White says. Population size also plays a role. Smaller countries with greater social cohesion and a stronger sense of national identity tended to score better, while those with the largest populations fared worse. China came in No. 82, India ranked 125, and Russia was 167. The U.S. came in at 23.
*Information in blue taken from Business Week article, click here.
I am not saying this information is or is not correct. I simply want to ask, what does make us happy country? Why would America, the land of freedom and opportunity, rank 23rd, being a Christian nation, behind very liberal nations? Your opinion please! I don't mean this as argument against countries!
|
|
| To add a comment to "Happiness by Country What Do YOU Think and Why??" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 23, 2008 |
 |
|
|
| I don't think that any one "thing" can give happiness, at least as far as possessions go. If we have Jesus we are supposed to be happy, but a lot of people aren't. When you can have peace amongst the sorrows and problems of this life, I think you can have happiness. God gives us peace and He gives us happiness. Any other form of happiness will not last. God way will. |
|
|
| January 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
I really have no idea how they base these studies. Individual happiness is something that can't be studied. Many are always spending their time "looking" over the fence. I see people with I-Pods and all kinds of new toys they think make their lives better. All, just to make others richer who never see the family who sits down together at dinner with love and laughter.
I may be divorced. But, I was never happier when I had my children all around me. We ate and played and laughed and, at times, we cried. We were happy. So that would have kept me and my family out of the 23 score.
But, we have a "Me, Me" generation. It's an all about me thing. The values I grew up in are very thin today. Parents are too busy trying to make ends meet. My Dad worked and my Mom was home to cook and make her family feel secure. She could have worked. But I am so glad she didn't. My ex did not work. Though I would have supported her right to have a career any time she wanted.
My children are all married and have never been on drugs or given us any trouble. They have blessed us with six (so far) grandchildren and all have their own homes.
Please note. I am not belittling those forced to work as both parents. This, I truly believe is a wrong that should be addressed. It's talked about. But, never addressed.
Politicians claim their going to make life better for all of us. So, when is this going to happen? They say thier going to give the government back to the people. So, whens that going to happen?
Many sit and watch the ballgame while the wolf bangs at the door. Guess what. He'll bang that door down soon if the American people don't rearrange their way of living. We Christians have a lot to say about this. There is proof abounding that being complacent with the filth brought forth in our media of all kinds is wrecking our great nation. Yes, God is in control. But, as God's servants. We have a duty to fight this scurve to a healthy way of life we once enjoyed. |
|
|
| January 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
Deb, thank you for your comment.
I wonder how many true BELIEVERS were asked if they were happy--in this test? As you said though, "If we have Jesus we are supposed to be happy, but a lot of people aren't."
I wonder why? It's not putting them down for being honest, but is that feeling that many do feel that they really are not happy--holding them back?
Also, your statement, "Any other form of happiness will not last. God way will." is certainly true. Many testify to the fact of the route they've taken and the supposed "happiness route" was not happiness, either.
I do appreciate your thoughts. To me it is an interesting thing to ponder. Sharing our thoughts can bring light to questions one may have--from another perspective.
|
|
|
| January 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
Golden2100,
Thank you so much for your comment. I think you covered some VALUABLE ground in this comment. I see you've been very blessed with much important things that are of true value! Yes, those things "family values" would certainly keep you and your family much higher on the "happy" list than the study that put America as #23.
Yes, I understand where you are coming from concerning both adults in a marriage working. You certainly are not putting them down.
Do you think most of the time these days that the both choose to work to keep up with all the "nice" things, which is ok, or do you think they do it to survive? Would the average American couple say they were "happy" since they could afford the "nice" things or would they answer they were not since these things actually lack in the end, as far as happiness? I'm not "judging" the answer, I'm just asking the question. I'm not putting anyone down that works for nice things or for survival. I'm merely asking a question about the ultimate happiness question. I wonder how stay-at-home ladies would answer the question about happiness. Why aren't Americans happy? You raised a very interesting point on these issues, Golden!!!!
Yes, politicians--for all time--have made the same promises. Many probably mean it sincerely when they promise this (though not all of them). But the complications are many and the people are so diverse, that somebody is not going to be happy about what they do. :) I'm NOT disagreeing with you--just pondering. I am a believer, as you are, and I know God's ways are the answer--but a lot of people that we deal with along the way--and do affect our world--does not share this way--so it in turn affects us. (And in turn--some areas we feel secure/happy and sometimes perhaps if it's even worth it)
I really, really appreciate your comment, Golden2100. You put a lot of thought and emotion into your comment. I hope other people on MYCHURCH will do the same as we contemplate "happiness", what is it really--and why did Americans rank #23 in countries that were happy. THANK YOU!
|
|
|
| January 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Happiness is not what I strive for, it is a fleeting thing. Peace of mind is what I want. When, after many years of trying to do things my way, I turned my life over to the Lord and found peace of mind. Happiness comes with that. I still have to work at not trying to do it all myself and God lets me know it in his gentle ways. I strive to love others as God loves me. I will do my best and let God do the rest. |
|
|
| January 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
I am certainly happy my answer was so well taken. I must ad. we Christians are too wimpy in our fight against the evil that is so permissive in this country. I was member of the "Right to Life" group in the 70's. Yet, very few even speak for the unborn today. We have a rampant scourge of pornography, drugs, and satonic music. which I don't believe any politician even cares to control. There is big money in both the sales and policing of drugs. Our movies and magazine show a lifestyle that is incomprehensible but is said to be covered by the lst amendment. I say that's garbage. All this and more is bring our great nation down.
If we truly "Trust in God" I believe we owe our young generation the fight of our lives to put a stop to this. Bring back sanity in our country. Of course we will be said to be wanting to bring back the Victorian age. Well, we don't have to go that far. But people, I would believe were much happier with themselves then than now. Self respect go's a long way. I can remember when the biggest drunk in town would never talk the way they do in front of a lady. That was when men were men and women loved it.
Could we bring back those days? I haven't seen anyone try lately!!
All these things are not even spoken of in church. But, my guess is. It would be back to business as usual if it were so, once out the door! |
|
|
| January 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
| | Vision, I do thank you for your input into the discussion about happiness. I agree that it can be difficult to sort through all the variables of defining happiness. I too, believe that all things are possible with God, who IS in charge. HE definitely IS the Master, that's for sure.
Sometimes, thinking about such a topic does help one get in touch with how we really are feeling about emotions we feel and why. Since we all have emotions that we live with every day it might help us to think on these things. We may find we really have much peace of mind and in turn, happiness--to us, and appreciate that even more. On the other hand, some of us might reflect on these things and realize what "was" defined as happiness is really not happiness at all and spur us to do something better.
Perhaps another opinion about it helps it dawn on us where we really are in the scheme of things.
I can tell you are a good thinker by your comment and I appreciate your taking time to share your perspective of what happiness is, with us. Please feel free to share more if you like. I welcome your comments!
|
|
|
|
| January 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Arlene, Thank you for your comment. As you said--"would be intresting is if they took these surveys every 10-20 years and seen how they have changed., and to rank in catagory exactly what made them happy. And you said, | "Family structure, morals and beliefs all have changed drastically. " I agree with you on both statements. Thank you so much for leaving your comment and star. I appreciate it. |  |
|
|
|
| January 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
Jacqui, Thank you for the interesting input.
I was thinking, too, in terms of folks that think everything is hunky dory 100o\o of the time after they accept the Saviour. (Especially, as in your case, you were TOLD that!) Of course everybody don't think that but many do. Peace is so very important and I'm glad you have it!
I wonder about these studies, too. No telling who they asked questions to or what all they really asked. But since the thing did come out, I was curious to what other people could think of as far as why people aren't happy.
I think you are right about some people in poverty are truly happy. It's funny happiness is what I was looking for 21 years ago in a miserable marriage.
Your statement, "The world is full of lies and trickery and cause covetousness among different races, religions but Jesus brings people together. Not that they would listen." says a whole lot!
Thank you so much for the comment! There were no right or wrong answers, just discussions of how people think on the subject of happiness.
|
|
|
| January 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Jesus is the key! |
|
|
| February 04, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Dennis, You are right, a WHOLE LOT of them do want to live here! I only wish they'd do it the legal way and respect the country, as it IS when they get here. Bet they could not do it the illegal, disrespectful way just anywhere! I am not talking about immigrants from just one country, I am speaking of immigrants in general. |
|
|
| February 05, 2008 |
|
|
|
Dew, good comment! Peace is the key, you are right. Inner peace knowing we've turned our life over to God, that HE is in charge, HE provides our needs, and inner peace knowing we are doing the best we can to listen to the still voice of the Father, are doing our best to follow His leading and that HE does LOVE us and will GUIDE us in the important things--and that "things" are not happiness--helps us understand HIS contentment. I agree with you completely.
However, I can't help but feel some of us struggle with enjoyment of life--that even though we are following HIM and doing HIS will, to the best of our ability--that we sometimes find it hard to find other humans or activities that we truly enjoy. NOT just say we are busy doing, since we can do that--but that does not mean we are truly getting satisfaction or enjoyment doing it. This isn't necessarily a chronic thing with believers. But, I think we've all had those times.
You did a blog about enjoying life that is quite good. So, I know you know what I am getting at here. Those who are not married to share even simple things with, or don't have available family to do things with, or are in remote areas with little activities--that are really enjoyable--can help one "feel" lost for a bit. Not lost from the Savior--but lost among humans. I think humans NEED humans for fellowship even though the Savior is enough. I'm not sure HE wants us to be without enjoyment with other humans. So, yes, true Happiness is Contentment with the Saviour--but we don't always "feel" complete or completely happy--even though we are content, knowing we do have the Saviour. I do hope I am saying this in a somewhat understandable way.
One thing though, in America, at least we are free to pursue quite a lot that people in other countries are not so fortunate to have that right.
I thank you so much for your comment. Please do leave more, as you are led to. I welcome your comments. |
|
|
| February 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Golden, your comment was welcome and well taken. Deb has a blog about people becoming more and more desensitized to evil since it's all we see on the news or tv shows.
You comment Golden, "We have a rampant scourge of pornography, drugs, and satonic music. which I don't believe any politician even cares to control. There is big money in both the sales and policing of drugs. Our movies and magazine show a lifestyle that is incomprehensible but is said to be covered by the lst amendment. I say that's garbage. All this and more is bring our great nation down." is valid concern and connects with being desensitized, in my opinion.
Thank you for your thoughts about it. All of this does have an impact on our sense of well-being and happiness!
|
|
|
| February 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Doyle, I think I missed thanking you for your star and comment! EXCUSE me! I always appreciate your comments! You are so right Doyle, the Savior is the key! HE is the MASTER key!
The priorities and values of people have changed so much here in America. I know it's not just in America, but since we are talking about why America (at least those questioned in the survey--which could have been selected for likely response) seemed to be less happy than other countries. We are one of the most blessed of anywhere on the Earth and seems as long as we kept the SAVIOR first, the people appreciated what they had and where they were more than they might at this time. Considering other countries I can think of, we are still a Christian nation and I pray we have revival of the "OLD TIME GOSPEL" teaching and living!
I'm glad I'm American and I'm so thankful the SAVIOR loves me! |
|
|
Follow this blog
