Comments on: The Happiest Country http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/ "Specialization is for insects" - Robert A. Heinlein Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:37:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Warren Davies http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-241 Warren Davies Thu, 13 May 2010 16:03:19 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-241 Yes, it sounds strange but you can tell how happy people are with a question. It's better to use a validated questionnaire, but a single question like "All things considered, how happy are you with your like right now?" is still fairly valid. Some people will say they are happy when they are not, some people will say they are sad when they are not. But one argument is, that judgement of how happy they believe themselves to be should be taken into account, and not just the more objective things like emotion. But you're instinct is right in that one question isn't the best way. Yes, it sounds strange but you can tell how happy people are with a question. It’s better to use a validated questionnaire, but a single question like “All things considered, how happy are you with your like right now?” is still fairly valid. Some people will say they are happy when they are not, some people will say they are sad when they are not. But one argument is, that judgement of how happy they believe themselves to be should be taken into account, and not just the more objective things like emotion.

But you’re instinct is right in that one question isn’t the best way.

]]> By: Elliott | Designer Stationery http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-240 Elliott | Designer Stationery Mon, 10 May 2010 10:04:49 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-240 What an interesting post and some great information, but in all honesty just because of a question??? I think that there are many people there that have just stated that they are happy, which doesn't really give a clear indication that they are. I think there has to be a few more place that top this place, but with all due respect I am sure that they are happy. I still think that it take a lot more than wealth and comforts. I live in South Africa and we weren't even a mention and like Jacqueline Johns - Your Happy Life Mentor said that her country also had no mention, and both our countries have beautiful beaches, lovely mountain ranges and stunning weather!!!! For me having love, and being happy with who you are also make a huge difference that just a country, but this is just my view.:) What an interesting post and some great information, but in all honesty just because of a question??? I think that there are many people there that have just stated that they are happy, which doesn’t really give a clear indication that they are. I think there has to be a few more place that top this place, but with all due respect I am sure that they are happy. I still think that it take a lot more than wealth and comforts. I live in South Africa and we weren’t even a mention and like Jacqueline Johns – Your Happy Life Mentor said that her country also had no mention, and both our countries have beautiful beaches, lovely mountain ranges and stunning weather!!!! For me having love, and being happy with who you are also make a huge difference that just a country, but this is just my view.:)

]]> By: Warren Davies http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-239 Warren Davies Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:55:52 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-239 These are interesting issues, but I'd have to disagree with you on these. Yes, there may be some static coming through with some people saying they are happy when they are not, and this is a very common criticism of happiness measured in this way. But the happiness questionnaires, although not perfectly accurate, are pretty well validated against everything from observer reports, to how much a person smiles, to activity in the left pre-frontal cortex, where positive emotions are thought to be processed. And at the same time, I think this subjective appraisal should be measured. For example, just as a thought experiment assume that it is possible to measure happiness objectively, and say my happiness is 6, but I tell you it's 8. This means that although my happiness is 6, I'm happier with that level and all the things that result from it than someone who answered 'accurately'. Do you not think that my own appraisal of my happiness and life situation should be taken in to account? See <a href="http://generallythinking.com/blog/can-happiness-be-measured/" rel="nofollow">this post</a> for more. As for the creativity, yes you're right about the <a href="http://generallythinking.com/blog/creativity-and-originality/" rel="nofollow">troubled artist</a> stereotype, but it's certainly not the case that everyone with troubles suddenly becomes creative. Most people do not. These are interesting issues, but I’d have to disagree with you on these. Yes, there may be some static coming through with some people saying they are happy when they are not, and this is a very common criticism of happiness measured in this way. But the happiness questionnaires, although not perfectly accurate, are pretty well validated against everything from observer reports, to how much a person smiles, to activity in the left pre-frontal cortex, where positive emotions are thought to be processed. And at the same time, I think this subjective appraisal should be measured. For example, just as a thought experiment assume that it is possible to measure happiness objectively, and say my happiness is 6, but I tell you it’s 8. This means that although my happiness is 6, I’m happier with that level and all the things that result from it than someone who answered ‘accurately’. Do you not think that my own appraisal of my happiness and life situation should be taken in to account? See this post for more.

As for the creativity, yes you’re right about the troubled artist stereotype, but it’s certainly not the case that everyone with troubles suddenly becomes creative. Most people do not.

]]> By: tempo dulu http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-238 tempo dulu Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:21:52 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-238 happiness is too subjective and people may say they are happy even if they are not (and vice versa) depending on cultural norms. A simplistic meaning of happiness may also not be useful. Many creative people have been known to produce their best and most profound work when they are not happy but troubled with various problems/thoughts. .-= tempo dulu´s last blog ..<a href="http://al-terity.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-are-some-countries-richer-than.html" rel="nofollow">Why are some countries richer than others?</a> =-. happiness is too subjective and people may say they are happy even if they are not (and vice versa) depending on cultural norms. A simplistic meaning of happiness may also not be useful. Many creative people have been known to produce their best and most profound work when they are not happy but troubled with various problems/thoughts.
.-= tempo dulu´s last blog ..Why are some countries richer than others? =-.

]]> By: Warren Davies http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-237 Warren Davies Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:47:48 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-237 D, No but I just looked it up on Amazon and yes I do think I'll pick that one up at some point, thanks for that! Jacqueline, Streuth! I should have been more clear! The chart shown is just a selection of countries that Nettle used in his book, which I borrowed for the article. The original study from which the data came no doubt did include Australia; though I don't have it to hand. If you look at <a href="http://www.le.ac.uk/users/aw57/world/sample.html" rel="nofollow">this</a> map (you'll have to scroll down a bit), you'll be pleased to see Australia is up there with Scandinavia and North America. I know of another study with a much bigger list of countries (in which Australia comes out in third place), I'll see if I can post that one up later. By the way, Jacqueline, if you're trying to make me jealous with your descriptions of sun-drenched beaches and rugged mountains, let me assure you, it's working. Here in England we have rugged beaches and very few mountains. Nah, I'm joking, I love it really. Rain can be very refreshing. D,

No but I just looked it up on Amazon and yes I do think I’ll pick that one up at some point, thanks for that!

Jacqueline,

Streuth! I should have been more clear!

The chart shown is just a selection of countries that Nettle used in his book, which I borrowed for the article. The original study from which the data came no doubt did include Australia; though I don’t have it to hand.

If you look at this map (you’ll have to scroll down a bit), you’ll be pleased to see Australia is up there with Scandinavia and North America. I know of another study with a much bigger list of countries (in which Australia comes out in third place), I’ll see if I can post that one up later.

By the way, Jacqueline, if you’re trying to make me jealous with your descriptions of sun-drenched beaches and rugged mountains, let me assure you, it’s working. Here in England we have rugged beaches and very few mountains.

Nah, I’m joking, I love it really. Rain can be very refreshing.

]]> By: Jacqueline Johns - Your Happy Life Mentor http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-236 Jacqueline Johns - Your Happy Life Mentor Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:20:42 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-236 Can I question the accuracy of your Happiness Of Nations Scale? My country, Australia, doesn't even rate a mention! Surely my "no worries" nation, with its sun-drenched beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and easy going lifestyle is full of happier people than say, Bulgaria?? If your scale is accurate, and therefore the land of Oz is so unhappy it doesn't rate, I'd better get off this computer and out into the clean, well-maintained streets and teach my fellow Aussies all I know about being happy. Must dash. Live Life Happy! Can I question the accuracy of your Happiness Of Nations Scale? My country, Australia, doesn’t even rate a mention! Surely my “no worries” nation, with its sun-drenched beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and easy going lifestyle is full of happier people than say, Bulgaria??
If your scale is accurate, and therefore the land of Oz is so unhappy it doesn’t rate, I’d better get off this computer and out into the clean, well-maintained streets and teach my fellow Aussies all I know about being happy. Must dash.
Live Life Happy!

]]> By: Positively Present http://generallythinking.com/the-happiest-country/#comment-235 Positively Present Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:11:32 +0000 http://generallythinking.com/blog/?p=826#comment-235 Great post! Have you ready The Geography of Bliss? You might enjoy it! Great post! Have you ready The Geography of Bliss? You might enjoy it!

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