The Pursuit of Happiness from a Political Perspective
Since the end of World War II, our quest for happiness has evolved. Before, happiness was evaluated based on external factors like religion, family, and social status. However, the aftermath of the wars led to a shift towards evaluating happiness from within. People began to focus on living a good life rather than just being a good believer, citizen, or parent. In the United States, happiness indicators started to emerge in the late 1940s through surveys like those conducted by Hadley Cantril at Princeton University.
These surveys, funded by the government, aimed to show that life in the United States was superior to other countries. The questions shifted from “Are you happy?” to “How is your life compared to what it could be?” This comparative approach had underlying political implications. For example, rankings were used to demonstrate that life in the US was better than in the communist bloc, and surveys assessed public reception of NASA funding programs.
The emergence of happiness indicators coincided with the societal focus on happiness in the 1960s. However, a rationalization phase in the 1980s led to the selection of indicators closely related to economic concepts like GDP and income. This shift also saw the commercialization of happiness by marketing professionals, linking happiness to consumerism through slogans like “be happy and consume.”
The author emphasizes that there are multiple measures of happiness, each reflecting a different relationship to the Earth and living beings. Some cultures, like the Quechua and Aymara peoples, view individual well-being as interconnected with planetary well-being. This holistic approach contrasts with the Western narrative, where happiness is often tied to material consumption and individual fulfillment.
In exploring the political dimensions of happiness, the author highlights how societal narratives influence personal happiness. The societal emphasis on material consumption as a source of happiness has led to unsustainable environmental practices like excessive air travel and car usage. Paradoxically, countries with high happiness rankings often have significant environmental footprints, raising questions about the true cost of happiness.
To achieve ecological happiness, the author suggests reevaluating societal norms and policies that prioritize material wealth over well-being. By shifting the focus from individual consumerism to collective well-being and environmental sustainability, a more balanced approach to happiness can be achieved. This requires a collective effort to make political choices that prioritize long-term happiness over short-term gratification.
In conclusion, the pursuit of happiness is inherently political, shaping our values, beliefs, and behaviors. By redefining happiness in ecological terms and making conscious political decisions, we can strive for a more sustainable and fulfilling future for all. It’s time to rethink our approach to happiness and consider the long-term impact of our choices on the well-being of future generations.