- by Tina Pokern
- 4 Min
Unconventional Scholar Advocates for Flexible Rule Adherence in Luck Studies - Encouragement: Loosen up on rule-following rigidity
The Finns sure know how to live. For years, they've bagged the top spot on global happiness charts. It's a different story in Germany, though, where the mood often dips low. Even in countries like Mexico or Israel, torn by conflict, people are grinning more than us. What's our deal? Happiness expert Maike van den Boom has the answers and shares insights on what we can learn from others.*
- Contentment
- Happiness Studies
- Happy Folks
The Pursuit of Contentment
From Finland to Germany, Mexico to Israel, happiness levels vary significantly. Through the lens of happiness researchers like Maike van den Boom, we discover what makes certain societies grin from ear to ear.
What Makes a Society Smile?
Thekeys behind happy societies span across multiple dimensions: social support, economics, health, culture, and politics. Finland shines as a prime example, with a society built on trust, equality, and community. Germany, Mexico, and Israel each have their unique characteristics that impact happiness levels, though they may not stand out in the global rankings.
Pillars of a Content Society
- Social Connections: Finland, with its strong sense of trust and community support, is a shining example of a happy society. Although data on Germany, Mexico, and Israel isn't as extensive, the general trend shows that strong social networks play a significant role.
- Wealth: While wealth contributes to happiness, Finland demonstrates that it isn't the sole determining factor. Financial stability and equitable distribution of resources are key for a happy life. Naturally, wealth plays a more prominent role in societies where it is scarce, such as Mexico. Israel's economic situation varies, but a stable economy is a vital prerequisite for happiness.
- Health Care: In Finland, top-notch healthcare and educational systems foster well-being and overall satisfaction with life. Germany, Israel, and Mexico also prioritize medical care, though specifics may differ depending on their economic and political contexts.
- Cultural and Social Aspects: Embracing community values, trust, peace, and shared experiences, like family meals, helps bolster contentment in places like Finland and Mexico. Israel's cultural values and social support networks likely also play a part.
- Political Climate: Stable governments and low levels of corruption make for more content societies, as evidenced in Finland and Germany. Israel's geopolitical challenges notwithstanding, economic stability and strong support networks help balance the scales.
The Gist
The happiness levels of countries like Finland, Germany, Mexico, and Israel can be traced back to factors like social support, economic stability, health and wellness, cultural values, and political climate. Finland's standing as the happiest country confirms the importance of these factors in fostering contentment. Seems like there's a lot we can learn from others to achieve our own versions of happiness and embrace life's day-to-day joys.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the improvement of social connections, as observed in happy countries like Finland, to help boost the happiness levels in Germany.
- The Finns, who routinely finish at the top of global happiness charts, found their secret to happiness not just in wealth, but in strong social support, trust, community, and equitable distribution of resources.
- Despite Germany's gloomy mood, happiness expert Maike van den Boom sees potential for improvement, suggesting lessons can be learned from Finland's pillars of social connections, wealth distribution, healthcare, cultural values, and political climate to foster happiness in German society.
