If you're happy and you know it...

Friday, July 28, 2006

"There is increasing political interest in using measures of happiness as a national indicator in conjunction with measures of wealth. A recent BBC survey found that 81% of the population think the Government should focus on making us happier rather than wealthier." -Adrian White.

What is wealth if there isn't happiness, anyway?...

A recent study proposes a World Map of Happiness. Every nation (with the exception of those at war, for they're not too happy now, are they?) has a ranking. Canada is in tenth place. Denmark ranks first (I wonder why).The U.S. is 23rd. Well, if we can't beat them in the Olympics, at least we can say that generally we're happier people. Check out your nation. Do you agree?

I hope you all have happy weekends, friends, regardless of where you reside. I am off to play some mindless computer games to numb my brain. And listen to French-Canadian music (not Celine Dion, folks, I don't need my brain that numb).

For your listening pleasure, check out Feist. I am listening to "L'amour ne dure pas toujours".

This entry was posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 at 10:02 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.

1.  Eric said:
   10:47 PM  

   What is it with you Canadians and your damn "happiness!?!" Grump...
   
   Oh... sorry. ^_-

1.  Michelle said:
   10:51 PM  

   Well, i for one don't hold too much credibility in this at all. Australia is such a laid back carefree nation and to be ranked at 26, 3 higher than America, i find extraordinary.

1.  Cathy said:
   11:05 PM  

   Eric;
   One word; beer.
   
   Michelle;
   I agree with you; I would have thought that both Australia and New Zealand should have had higher rankings in this study.

1.  Stephanie said:
   9:14 AM  

   The UK didn't do so well in this poll. Perhaps it's because it's the done thing to complain here (weather, healthcare system, politics yada yada yada..). Thing is, for me, life here is actually pretty good. Despite spells of melancholy and heartbreak, my happiest years as an adult have been spent here. I miss my family, snow, poutine and timbits but I don't think I'll be leaving the 41st happiest nation anytime soon.

1.  Heidi said:
   10:09 AM  

   I'm Canadian..Send me some happiness would ya ;)!
   
   LOL at Celine comment.

1.  x said:
   10:11 AM  

   Greece is 84th and i agree. greeks are not that happy. no social services,everything is extremely expensive and getting more and more expensive every day, no creativity, fraud, etc. people in Israel think of their future in brighter terms than us!

1.  Will said:
   1:28 PM  

   I think our Government should start thinking about leaving Cathy,that would make me a lot happier.
   Sorry if I upset anyone.
   Don't want to upset any Bliar fans!

1.  Will said:
   1:30 PM  

   Cathy,
   
   Thanks for visiting our site.
   
   Will and I promise to call and see you at your blog.

1.  Stephanie said:
   7:31 PM  

   I need a little beacon for my spot on the map, so it can blink happy today...sad tomorrow :) We have a weather thingy on a Boston building which does that sort of with the weather.

1.  Trundling Grunt said:
   10:03 PM  

   Hmm, the UK is 41 against the US 23? That doesn't smell right somehow. I don't see Americans as a particularly content people in themselves, but maybe their patriotism makes them happier?
   Hmm.

1.  sophie said:
   12:46 AM  

   I am quite happy - surely -
   overall. (sniff)

1.  Berlinbound said:
   8:18 AM  

   I vote for happy.

1.  Anonymous said:
   2:12 AM  

   Very nice site!
   »

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