The definition of happiness varies
depending on who is defining it. The definition can be quite different coming
from philosopher vs. economist, young person vs. older person, psychologist vs.
politician, urban resident vs. rural resident, the list could be continued
endlessly. If there is not one single, universal and widely recognised and
accepted definition of happiness, how can it be a common goal? Despite the lack
of one universal definition, happiness is often associated with positive
aspects of human life, something that is worthwhile to aim for. As human beings
we often aim to be happy. Still, happiness remains an abstract and
multi-dimensional concept. Feelings of happiness are perhaps more private and
temporary in nature. Therefore, happiness as a single concept is quite hard to
capture and conceptualise without considering it in conjunction with other
related concepts.
People’s core values are culturally
connected and ultimately determine happiness at the individual level. These
values vary through life and across cultures. Despite being hard to define,
since the times of the Greek philosophers happiness has been considered as a
synonym for a good life and well-being. The expression of ‘good life’ can
perhaps be further understood through looking into what is well-being.
Establishing what is well-being might also conceptualise happiness further. The
benefit of focusing on well-being might also provide further knowledge of
conditions that enable feelings of happiness to flourish. Happiness and
well-being as concepts have distinct differences and similarities and they are
hard to separate one from another. For example, exploring happiness through
well-being and most importantly by focusing on what conditions generate
well-being might offer some answers. Traditionally, wellbeing or quality of
life (QoL) used to be measured in nations by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Happiness
can be seen strongly linked with quality of life and well-being. Therefore, exploring the measurable aspects of human well-being might offer some solid and
comparable dimensions that can be measured.
But what are the measurable aspects of our well-being?
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