There is a problem with happiness measures too. If it becomes not only acceptable but even a sign of intelligence (being well-informed) to say that the situation is dire and you are miserable then more people will report this. So even with less people actually miserable you will have an increase in middle class educated saying that they are more reasonable. I think that the coexistence of increase of education and increase in income of the last 50 years have balanced each other in this sense. I would actually look at what people want to do which is consumption/leisure activities, the reported happiness is just a small indicator which we should worry about only if declines
False consciousness seems to be a big thing for left-wing intellectuals. It provides another reason to tear down capitalism - something they want for other reasons.
But it's relative income that concerns me - we do compete against each other for social status, mates, etc. Supposedly in studies Harvard undergraduates say "they would rather be richer than their peers even if that means they are absolutely worse off".
To harm others *at one's own expense*? Mightn't that be a reasonable definition of evil?
I've always been "unhappy" with measuring happiness. It's such a slippery concept. I've had what I consider the usual ups and downs of someone who came from poverty but managed to make it to the top 10% of wealth in the US. What I have generally had throughout the process was more or less contentment.
During 'bad' times I've been less content, perhaps even a bit discontented. I tried to use that to work to change my life. In good times I've been content, and I don't see exactly how my contentedness could be increased. Discontent is the goad, not unhappiness I think.
My grandfather, who began in worse poverty than I, and never rose to much more than perhaps the lowest middle class was wont to say (I heard him say it many times) "Most people are about as happy as they decide to be." He was not a Pollyanna nor a cynic, he was just a good tenant farmer who stroveto care for his family and "be a good neighbor."
I think my grandfather would say that "happiness is not to be found in things or possessions, but in the enjoyment of the good things in your life."
And whenever anyone says anything to me about "the good old times" I look them square in the eye and say, "Modern dentistry." Dental practices are my go to for deciding if the overall quality of life is improving.
There is a problem with happiness measures too. If it becomes not only acceptable but even a sign of intelligence (being well-informed) to say that the situation is dire and you are miserable then more people will report this. So even with less people actually miserable you will have an increase in middle class educated saying that they are more reasonable. I think that the coexistence of increase of education and increase in income of the last 50 years have balanced each other in this sense. I would actually look at what people want to do which is consumption/leisure activities, the reported happiness is just a small indicator which we should worry about only if declines
The decline in religious faith also has significant implications for happiness
False consciousness seems to be a big thing for left-wing intellectuals. It provides another reason to tear down capitalism - something they want for other reasons.
But it's relative income that concerns me - we do compete against each other for social status, mates, etc. Supposedly in studies Harvard undergraduates say "they would rather be richer than their peers even if that means they are absolutely worse off".
To harm others *at one's own expense*? Mightn't that be a reasonable definition of evil?
I've always been "unhappy" with measuring happiness. It's such a slippery concept. I've had what I consider the usual ups and downs of someone who came from poverty but managed to make it to the top 10% of wealth in the US. What I have generally had throughout the process was more or less contentment.
During 'bad' times I've been less content, perhaps even a bit discontented. I tried to use that to work to change my life. In good times I've been content, and I don't see exactly how my contentedness could be increased. Discontent is the goad, not unhappiness I think.
My grandfather, who began in worse poverty than I, and never rose to much more than perhaps the lowest middle class was wont to say (I heard him say it many times) "Most people are about as happy as they decide to be." He was not a Pollyanna nor a cynic, he was just a good tenant farmer who stroveto care for his family and "be a good neighbor."
I think my grandfather would say that "happiness is not to be found in things or possessions, but in the enjoyment of the good things in your life."
And whenever anyone says anything to me about "the good old times" I look them square in the eye and say, "Modern dentistry." Dental practices are my go to for deciding if the overall quality of life is improving.