The planet’s getting warmer, more crowded and in some ways more dangerous. Yet people appear to be happier than they used to be.
A study headed by a University of Michigan political scientist found that happiness rose over the past 27 years.
Happiness is hard to quantify, and other studies have found happiness levels flat. The University of Michigan survey took a comprehensive look at people in 52 countries. They were asked questions like “Would you say you are very happy, rather happy, not very happy, not at all happy?”
Recent responses were significantly more upbeat than they were when the survey started in 1981. Based on this survey, money apparently does buy happiness, at least to an extent. Richer countries, especially those like India and China where incomes are rising, reported higher levels of happiness.
More open, tolerant societies are apparently happier. Denmark topped the happy list, while Zimbabwe was the most miserable. The U.S. ranked 16th.
Happiness can mean different things to different people, but researchers agree on a few quick tips on how to be happy that anyone can follow.
If good times are proving hard to find, you may be interested in some real-world advice on how to find your happiness.
Finally, don't rely on someone else to provide your inner peace. Love is grand, but there are plenty of ways to be single and happy.
