Measuring Happiness

The United States Government-funded World Values Survey that involved 350,000 respondents ranked 97 countries from the happiest to the least happy. Denmark topped the 2008 list followed by Puerto Rico, Colombia, Iceland, North Ireland, Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada and Austria. The United States is no. 16 next to New Zealand (ranked no. 15). The Philippines is no 38, while Zimbabwe is expectedly last, with four others slightly happier than the latter - Armenia, Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine - all former republics of the Soviet Union.
What is in Denmark that made it to the top? (Another survey by Leicester University researchers likewise proclaimed the Scandinavian nation the happiest in the world.) The study director, Ronald Inglehart of the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, points to its prosperity, democracy, social equality and peaceful atmosphere. In its editorial, New Zealand Herald, opined that New Zealand has most of what Denmark has, but the difference "lie in the Danes' more modest expectations of life, allied to their willingness to acknowledge what they have and cherish it. They expect less and, therefore, are apt to appreciate what they have." That the United States did not rank even among the top 10 may have surprised many people, as the US has always been the preferred destination for migrants it being the richest nation in the world. The reason could be because the flip side of expectation of increased earning capacity and modern lifestyle is the social pressure on individuals to attain economic success.

When people commune together, there must develop a common vision and shared values. "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Proverbs 29:18) The co-operative work of everyone and the accomplishment of required tasks can bring about communal happiness. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:16) While citizens of most civilised nations declare their aspirations in a written constitution, conflict would arise when individuals put their own goals first. The resultant effect: adverse interests pulling down the objective for the common good. Instead of unity, there is division; instead of solidarity, there are factions; and instead of success attained, assured failure. Where division, factionalism and failure prevail, it is certain there is gloom and unhappiness.

Jesus Christ came purposely to save Mankind. "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31) He brings all peoples of the world to honour and love God."And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27) He showed us the Way to lead us towards our Heavenly Father. ‘Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) Like the early Christians, we are to work together in pursuit of His cause of evangelisation and salvation. "And more than that, he has been appointed by the churches to travel as our companion in regard to this bountiful contribution which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] our eager readiness [as Christians to help one another]." (2 Corinthians 8:19)

A high measure of happiness of a nation lies in the heart of each citizen in harmonious communion with others. St Peter pointed out on how man can experience God’s Kingdom here on earth: "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17)

by Mel Libre