4 Global Models for Happiness

Unravel the secrets of joy from four corners of the world. Discover diverse cultural perspectives on happiness, and learn how different societies cultivate contentment. Embark on a global journey to understand the universal yet multifaceted nature of happiness.

Well-being might seem universal, but it can mean very different things in different places

In order for the World Happiness Report and other international happiness indexes to compare self-reports of happiness, they have to assume that people around the world define happiness and answer happiness surveys in roughly the same way

• If this assumption does not hold, then happiness indexes are about as reliable as a ranking of music quality based on how much residents of each country say they like their local songs
• Understanding these differences gives us a much richer picture of global happiness than any index can depict
• It provides a suite of models for well-being that each of us can follow

Happiness comes from doing what you love

Dedication to work or leisure activities that are deeply fulfilling

• Look for this in Nordic countries and Central Europe
• This is a combination of the “outer” and “task” foci
• In these countries, work is the life, and life is work

Happiness comes from simply feeling good

This is a combination of the “inner” and “task” foci

• It is the model for people who prioritize experiences that give them positive feelings, whether alone or with others.
• Just as different places have different definitions of happiness, so do different people. Understanding diversity can help you understand yourself-to see whether and why you are a misfit in your home, and what you might do about it.

Happiness comes from good relationships with the people you love

This is a combination of the “outer” and “relation” foci

• In this model, friends and family are who deliver the most happiness.
• A good example of a country that fits this model is the United States.

Happiness comes from a higher consciousness

This is a combination of the “inner” and “relation” foci

• It is the model for highly spiritual, philosophical, or religious people, especially those who place a special importance on coming together in community
• Southern India has been found to be home to a lot of people who follow this model.

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