World Happiness report
Most of the world’s religions also teach these principles. Among poorer societies, people in more religious regions experience more positive emotion. But among richer societies there is no such difference and a good, modern society needs to rely also on secular bases for morality. Unfortunately, some recent studies show that the more affluent members of the society may have systematically less regard for others than poorer members of society do. Wealth can lead to a sense of entitlement, a “right” to violate the trust of others.8 We need to cultivate social norms so that the rich and powerful are never given a feeling of impunity vis-à-vis the rest of society. Mental health We come now to the more personal aspects of happiness and misery. Of these, mental illness is the most important, and typically affects a third of all families in one way or another.9 Yet it is often barely mentioned because of the feelings of guilt and inadequacy felt by those who suffer, and their relatives, as well as the feeling that nothing can be done. Mental illness, however, is as responsive to evidence-based treatment as most physical conditions. But in most advanced countries only a quarter of mentally ill people are in treatment, and even fewer in developing countries This contrasts with over three quarters for most physical illnesses in advanced countries. The difference is a simple matter of discrimination. In developed countries mental illness accounts for one half of all illness among people of working age. Yet it was not covered by the recent UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases. A major change of perception is clearly needed. The key need is for wider access to modern evidence-based psychological therapies. Physical health Improved physical health is probably the single most important factor that has improved human happiness in recent centuries. This is true in countries at all levels of development. But major health gaps remain in poor countries that require urgent increases in public investments, and increased support by donor countries. And, as rich countries grow richer, people are clearly willing to contribute an increasing share of their income to healthcare. This should be anticipated. There is of course a problem of out-of-control healthcare costs, especially in insurance-based systems of care. But happiness research confirms that people greatly value healthcare, and it is likely that growing health expenditures often through the public sector will give more satisfaction than equivalent increases in private consumption. Family and friends Of all types of social life, close personal relationships with loved adults explain the greatest variation in happiness. Traditionally, external support for family life was provided largely through faith communities. But in secular societies all social organizations and institutions, including those managed by the state, have important roles to play. Many people sacrifice aspects of their family life in order to raise their income, or to achieve personal success. These problems of work-life balance can be a major source of stress in families, and are an important source of the U-shape in the age-happiness relationship described in Chapter 3. To reduce this stress, it is important that workplaces and government policies, including those for childcare and family support, should operate flexibly, in ways that moderate these pressures. Education A decent education for all is essential. It is an important support for building incomes, improving health, creating trust, and increasing the efficiency and accountability of government. Indeed, it is primarily through these important channels that education supports happier lives. Universal access to education is widely judged to be a basic human right, because every aspect of an individual’s dignity, productivity, and ability to thrive is enhanced by educational attainment.
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