Growing Measures of Happiness

Happiness cannot be measured in a single way. Most people are happy in their own ways. People increasingly have their own reasons to be happy.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Scavengers penetrate the rain on Pondok Ungu Permai Street, Happy Village, Babelan District, Bekasi Regency, West Java, Tuesday (14/3/2023). For some ordinary people, life has been able to eat a day, it has made them feel happy.

Countries in the world compete with each other to pursue economic growth in order to improve the welfare of their citizens. However, large incomes, good education and high-quality health services do not necessarily lead to the happiness of the people. People’s happiness is influenced by many factors, not just the economy.

The relation between economic development and happiness is not a simple one, especially when the meaning of happiness differs for everyone. Moreover, everyone has different values and philosophies in life. Those who are at an economic disadvantage may be happier than those with an advantage (Kompas, 20/3/2023).