Is happiness healthy?

[midcan5]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

 

[MaggieMae]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

I sure can't answer that from a political and/or psychological point of view, because I understand that overall a capitalist economy is better than a communist economy or even a quasi-socialist economy such as the UK. But I do know from personal experience that the "feel good" mantras that always accompany Randian capitalism are soon tossed aside when a person advocating those strong values suddenly finds he can't feed his family or pay the rent because of some "free market" corporate decision that eliminated is job, and he sheepishly needs to look to the federal government for help under one of its social umbrellas.

 

[Spoonman]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

Sure it is. I'm happy and smiling everyday and I'm never sick.

The problem in the USA is the majority of the people are actually buying into the socialistic atmosphere that prevails lately. they are looking for the free ride instead of working hard to get it. that's what causes the unhappiness.

But take a look at what welfare is in those happy countries. It's a lot different than the lifetime free ride than here. Yes, they have heathcare, they pay for it with their taxes. And seniors are taken care of with reduced taxes and aid when they retire. But what they don't have is the burden of a welfare state they support perpetually. People work over there. They also are tough on imigration. They don't allow the problem to mushroom like we did by tollerating it.

First we've got to clean up the bottom before we can fix the top. And that ain't socialism my friend

 

[daveman]

Pffft. That list is bullshit. Let's see what real socialists have to say:

Chinese media, Chaoxian.com.cn, reported on Thursday that North Korea's Chosun Central TV recently released the survey result of a 'Happiness Index (Gross National Happiness) of each nation,' which was conducted in North Korea.
According to the index, the happiest country in the world is China and North Korea is ranked no. 2. Interestingly, South Korea is ranked No.152 and the U.S. ranks last at No.203.
Chaoxian.com.cn sarcastically commented that "North Korea gladly gave the no. 1 spot to China and North Korea itself ranked no. 2. North Korea must be the happiest country in the universe."
China scored 100 points and was selected as the country where the happiest people live in and North Korea with 98 points, ranked at no. 2.
The top five rankings include Cuba (no. 3, 93 points), Iran (no.4, 88 points), and Venezuela (no.5, 85 points). South Korea, with 18 points, was placed at no.152 and the U.S. ranked no. 203 with its score not marked.


Read more: North Korea's happiness index rank: China top, US bottom (Photos) - International Business Times​

I expect there are some American leftists who might agree with this ranking.

 

[auditor0007]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

Sure it is. I'm happy and smiling everyday and I'm never sick.

The problem in the USA is the majority of the people are actually buying into the socialistic atmosphere that prevails lately. they are looking for the free ride instead of working hard to get it. that's what causes the unhappiness.

But take a look at what welfare is in those happy countries. It's a lot different than the lifetime free ride than here. Yes, they have heathcare, they pay for it with their taxes. And seniors are taken care of with reduced taxes and aid when they retire. But what they don't have is the burden of a welfare state they support perpetually. People work over there. They also are tough on imigration. They don't allow the problem to mushroom like we did by tollerating it.

First we've got to clean up the bottom before we can fix the top. And that ain't socialism my friend

Most of what you said I can agree with. However, most of those countries are experiencing an even bigger immigration problem than we are. Just as Hispanics will one day become the majority in the US, Muslims will become the majority in many of those countries. Europe has a huge problem with that and it is creating to the growth of the welfare roles.

 

[midcan5]

North Korea and Red China are totalitarian societies, both nations could be considered more conservative than socialist as they are still basically traditional societies with strong rulers. Lots of Americans criticize China but then shop in Walmart - an enormous corporate supporter of China - or buy other products made in China without batting an eye. Consider that a person will argue vehemently that their political position is the correct one, but then support a political entity whose values totally contradict their own values?

But back on topic. While I define myself online as a liberal and progressive, I am also a communitarian which conflicts strongly with libertarianism and even with individualism within liberalism. It is within communities that we live and work and learn and help. It may just be the reason so called - please note I use 'so called' because no ideology is pure - socialistic countries are happier is because they have melded the material and the social in a better way than America has. But America has strong communities too, but oddly they sometimes conflict with other groups. How would fundamentalists and secularists ever form a cohesive social entity? Homogeneity is often overlooked or ignored because it too conflicts with our strong individualistic bent.

Denmark - excerpt from study. [bold added]

"Danish residents have consistently rated themselves as the happiest in the world for years in several different studies. This is in some ways surprising, considering the Scandinavian country received only average scores for several metrics that other highly satisfied countries consistently perform well in. For example, Denmark’s 26% income tax as a percent of GDP (the highest in the OECD) has resulted in an average disposable income of $27,080 compared to the OECD average of $36,800. This places Denmark among the bottom half of developed countries for disposable income. The country also ranks in the bottom third life expectancy and just average in self-reported health. However, Danes have one of the strongest senses of friendship and community, with 97% reporting they had someone other than a family member that they could rely on. Danish culture and government policy is one of the most leisure-friendly. Denmark’s citizens spend more than 16 hours each week on leisure time, the second-highest rate in the OECD. The government also subsidizes a full year of maternity leave."

 

[midcan5]

"Nothing is funnier than unhappiness, I grant you that. Yes, yes, it's the most comical thing in the world." Samuel Beckett

Excellent stuff on topic. Enjoy.

Dan Gilbert asks, Why are we happy? | Video on TED.com

So do lots of choices make us happy? maximizing freedom
Barry Schwartz on the paradox of choice | Video on TED.com

if you have time watch piece at end of this too. Stefan Sagmeister: 7 rules for making more happiness | Video on TED.com

Benjamin Wallace on the price of happiness | Video on TED.com

"Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance. Look at the flowers - for no reason. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are." Osho

Daniel Kahneman: The riddle of experience vs. memory | Video on TED.com

 

[Douger]

Down in my hood the marxist, socialist, commie, pinko fags have full access to health care, including shrinks.
Many live in houses that don't have glass in the windows. They don't go to the free shrink either.
Materialism is a deadly disease. I cured mine by escaping the peer pressure.
Costa Rica tops Happy Planet Index | News | Happy Planet Index

 

[Marie888]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

Are you comparing US with other countries and who's happier? I guess my thoughts on it lean toward the spiritual. There are verses in the Bible that says:

Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Interesting verses, there. God's Word points out the reality in our lives, and that although there is a time for joy and laughter, reality shows there are also many things to be sorrowful and mourn over.

Another interesting quote from Rich Mullins, who is passed away now; he was a Christian musician:

"Jesus said whatever you do to the least of these my brothers you’ve done it to me. And this is what I’ve come to think. That if I want to identify fully with Jesus Christ, who I claim to be my Savior and Lord, the best way that I can do that is to identify with the poor. This I know will go against the teachings of all the popular evangelical preachers. But they’re just wrong. They’re not bad, they’re just wrong. Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in a beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken...."

Rich Mullins - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Insightful, I think. Lots to learn from there, most especially from our Lord. The reality of this world is that many are broken, oppressed, poor. (Though that is NOT to say we should be unfair to one class (the rich) and take from them to help the poor. Charity comes from one's heart and should; not to be "taken".

Which leads me to think about the most charitable countries, and USA leads hugely anyhow.

List of most charitable countries - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Anger? Yeah, there is alot of it. Anger from fears and hurts and brokeness, (sin leads to sin and it can run rampant like we are seeing more of in the USA) but also there is a "righteous" anger in certain situations. One of them for many republicans is that many (not all) on the left want to try to do to this country, certain agendas. We are not perfect, none are, but the way we are headed, it's not looking good at all. Spiritually speaking, that is.

.

 

[Mad Scientist]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

Socialists are the most unhappy people I know.

 

[Leweman]

Ignorance is bliss

 

[theHawk]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

Fuuny, it doesn't look like any of those countries has huge issues like 30 million illegal immigrants to deal with, or a large lazy welfare population to support.

 

[Spoonman]

What are so called Socialists happier than so called Capitalists? Why is that? Is it because a more equitable society just works better? Is it because dog eat dog makes angry dogs? Why?

"What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least."

1. Denmark
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Australia
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Finland
9. Israel
10. Austria

The Happiest Countries In The World - 24/7 Wall St.


"What improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable." Adam Smith 'The Wealth of Nations,' Book I Chapter VIII

Where inequality leads: Why More Equality? | The Equality Trust

Sure it is. I'm happy and smiling everyday and I'm never sick.

The problem in the USA is the majority of the people are actually buying into the socialistic atmosphere that prevails lately. they are looking for the free ride instead of working hard to get it. that's what causes the unhappiness.

But take a look at what welfare is in those happy countries. It's a lot different than the lifetime free ride than here. Yes, they have heathcare, they pay for it with their taxes. And seniors are taken care of with reduced taxes and aid when they retire. But what they don't have is the burden of a welfare state they support perpetually. People work over there. They also are tough on imigration. They don't allow the problem to mushroom like we did by tollerating it.

First we've got to clean up the bottom before we can fix the top. And that ain't socialism my friend

Most of what you said I can agree with. However, most of those countries are experiencing an even bigger immigration problem than we are. Just as Hispanics will one day become the majority in the US, Muslims will become the majority in many of those countries. Europe has a huge problem with that and it is creating to the growth of the welfare roles.

actually, in those countries they only make up 2-6% of the population. And the ones in israel are busy blowing themselves up.