Can we make ourselves happier? According to studies from all over the globe collated
by the World Happiness Database in Rotterdam, we can. But the path to happiness may not be where we are looking for it.
Professor Ruut Veenhoven, Director of the Database and Emeritus professor of social conditions for human happiness at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, says his own study found a slight negative correlation between the number of times people in a study spontaneously mentioned “goals” and their happiness.
“Though it is generally assumed that you need goals to lead a happy life, evidence is mixed.
The reason seems to be that unhappy people are more aware of their goals, because they seek to change their life for the better.”
I – Word Understanding
Collate – to collect, compare and arrange in order
Spontaneous – done or said in a natural and sudden way
II – Have your say
1. Studies say you tend to be happy If you:
● Are in a long-term relationship
● Are actively engaged in politics
● Are active in work and in your free time
● Go out for dinner
● Have close friendships (though happiness does not increase with the number of friends you have)
2. Some of the surprising findings from the studies:
● People who drink in moderation are happier than people who don’t drink at all
● Men tend to be happier in a society where women enjoy greater equality
● Being considered good looking increases men’s happiness more than it does women’s.
● Having children lowers your happiness levels, but your happiness increases when they grow up and leave home.
3. It’s ok for us to be sad 10% of the time.
