I have just finishe reading Gross National Happiness: Gross National Happiness - picture by Mike SaundersWhy Happiness Matters for America - & How We Can Get More of It! by Arthur C. Brooks. Basically, it is an analysis of who, in the United States, is happy and why. There were some answers that I expected but several that were a surprise.

For instance, the U.S. is generally happier than all of the European countries, only 3 have a higher happiness index than we do.

Money does not increase happiness, except for a very short time. However, success will increase happiness and sustain it. People will chose a job with less money but more potential for success and prestige.

Conservatives are much happier than liberals. However, the extremes on both sides are equally happy. They just make everyone else less happy.

People that are religious, regardless of faith or political affiliation, are happier than those that are not.

Equality does not make people happy, whether economic of otherwise. Mobility, or the capability to change your life makes people happy.

Freedom makes people happy. An intrusive government with very many rules makes people less happy. It doesn't matter whether those excessive rules are brutal or benign.

I highly recommend this book for everyone. It is eye-opening, but, I will admit, at times it is a bit dry. Having an understanding of the findings presented here just may give us a better idea how to deal with our co-workers and our clients, as well as friends, family and community.

 

 
Posted by Mike Saunders on 02/01/2009 02:41 PM   Comments (21)   Book Review in the ActiveRain Channel   happiness, book review  
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21 Comments on Gross National Happiness - An Interesting Read

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

FEB
01
2009
1,326,519 Points 187 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike, thanks for the review on this book. I may have to check it out. I very much agree the more freedom the more happy within bounds of course, and the more control over us, the less happy. At least that's the way I work, so probably many others are like this too.
2:56pm • #2
1,498,038 Points 352 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike...

Now this looks like an interesting read. I will kave to "check it out."  literally!
3:05pm • #3
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dinah - hope that you enjoy it

Gary - interestingly, it covers "too much freedom", basically, too many choices make people less happy. Those that tend to see things in "shades of gray" especially moral values, are less happy.

Richard- I checked this one out, and probably 9 out of 10 books that I read.
3:15pm • #4
816,121 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Mike ~ Always looking for a good book with great information. I respect your thoughts and appreciate your post.
6:39pm • #5

Mike - It sounds like a very interesting read it is now on my to read list.
7:30pm • #6

Thanks for the book review! Stats like this always fascinate me
10:16pm • #7
FEB
02
2009
324,296 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Interesting Mike.  I will see about it for a future read.
5:38am • #8
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nick - thanks for the very nice comments, hope you enjoy the book

Brian - what else is on your list

Susan - i find stats dry but enlightening

Paddy - when you get a break from writing about what is going on in Orange County
7:17am • #9
135,448 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I am interested in the 3 that are happier.  You have me hooked!
8:09am • #10
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mel - I hope you find it enlightening
1:41pm • #11

Thanks Mike-the book sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
7:39pm • #12
511,939 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Mike, I plan on doing more reading this year and will check this out.  Sounds very interesting. Thanks.
8:29pm • #13

Fascinating stuff in this. I always liked that it's not 'money is the root of all evil' it's "LOVE of money is the root of all evil' same premise here and it's not always the obvious.
9:05pm • #14
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Laura - you are welcome, hope you read and enjoy

Shirley - it is a pretty good book to invest your time in

Chris - some people don't recognize the difference
10:16pm • #15
FEB
03
2009
493,808 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike - This does sound like an interesting read.  Perhaps I will have to get my eyes on it sometime soon.  "However, the extremes on both sides are equally happy. They just make everyone else less happy."  I know they can really grind me:)
1:51pm • #16
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sardi - as opposed to passionate moderates like me who never get on anyone's nerves;^)
3:04pm • #17
493,808 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Exactly.  I'm a "Left-Centric" type of guy and haven't pissed off a soul in my life:)
3:15pm • #18
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sardi - thanks for the chuckle;^)
3:28pm • #19
FEB
05
2009
1,738,010 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike,

Good review of the book and thanks for sharing with everyone. The findings are not surprising. :)

Steve
9:39am • #20
563,876 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Steve - for the most part no, but their were a few aha's in their for me.
12:39pm • #21

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