The economics of happiness or happiness economics is the quantitative and theoretical study of happiness, positive and negative affect, well-being,[1] quality of life, life satisfaction and related concepts, typically combining economics with other fields such as psychology, health and sociology. It typically treats such happiness-related measures, rather than wealth, income or profit, as something to be maximized. The field has grown substantially since the late 20th century, for example by the development of methods, surveys and indices to measure happiness and related concepts.[2] Its findings have been described as a challenge to the economics profession.[3]
Given its very nature, reported happiness is subjective.[6] It is difficult to compare one person's happiness with another's.[2] It can be especially difficult to compare happiness across cultures.[2] However, many happiness economists believe they have solved this comparison problem. Cross-sections of large data samples across nations and time demonstrate consistent patterns in the determinants of happiness.[2]
Happiness is typically measured using subjective measures – e.g. self-reported surveys – and/or objective measures. One concern has always been the accuracy and reliability of people's responses to happiness surveys.[7] Objective measures such as lifespan, income, and education are often used as well as or instead of subjectively reported happiness, though this assumes that they generally produce happiness, which while plausible may not necessarily be the case. The terms quality of life or well-being are often used to encompass these more objective measures.
Some scientists claim that happiness can be measured both subjectively and objectively by observing the joy center of the brain lit up with advanced imaging,[7] although this raises philosophical issues, for example about whether this can be treated as more reliable than reported subjective happiness.
Micro-econometric happiness equations have the standard form: {\displaystyle W_{it}=\alpha +\beta {x_{it}}+\epsilon _{it}}W_{{it}}=\alpha +\beta {x_{{it}}}+\epsilon _{{it}}.[2] In this equation {\displaystyle W}W is the reported well-being of individual {\displaystyle i}i at time {\displaystyle t}t, and {\displaystyle x}x is a vector of known variables, which include socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.[2]
Happiness, well-being, or satisfaction with life, was seen as unmeasurable in classical and neo-classical economics. Van Praag was the first person who organized large surveys in order to explicitly measure welfare derived from income. He did this with the Income Evaluation Question (IEQ). This approach is called the Leyden School. It is named after the Dutch university where this approach was developed. Other Researchers included Arie Kapteyn and Aldi Hagenaars.[8]
The meaning of life, or the answer to the question: "What is the meaning of life?", pertains to the significance of living or existence in general. Many other related questions include: "Why are we here?", "What is life all about?", or "What is the purpose of existence?" There have been many proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history. Different people and cultures believe different things for the answer to this question.
The meaning of life as we perceive it is derived from philosophical and religious contemplation of, and scientific inquiries about existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness. Many other issues are also involved, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, the existence of one or multiple gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife. Scientific contributions focus primarily on describing related empirical facts about the universe, exploring the context and parameters concerning the "how" of life. Science also studies and can provide recommendations for the pursuit of well-being and a related conception of morality. An alternative, humanistic approach poses the question, "What is the meaning of my life?"
It is easy to talk about positive thinking exercises. Positive thinking has become a worldwide trend lately. Everything from support groups to consumer advertising uses tricks to help you think more positively.
But what exactly does that mean?
The optimist, on the other hand, views the glass as being half full. In other words, there is already half a glass of water there, rather than none at all. The optimist's way of thinking is actually nothing more than positive thinking.
Here are some positive thinking exercises you can use to help you view the world as half full also.
One positive thinking exercise is to take some time to really appreciate what you have. The negative thinker will dwell on what he or she feels is missing in their life. The positive thinker will realize that there are already many great things in their life. In fact, if you sit down and really list out what you have in your life, you will surely find that you have an abundance of good things in your life.
This could include material things such as money, cars, clothes, just about anything. It could also be non-material things such as family, love, happiness. Anything that you feel good about, no matter how small, can be listed as something already in your life.
This can include the list of what you have mentioned earlier, but it can also include small successes you had in the day, such as finishing an assignment that was due at work or finding a five dollar bill on the sidewalk.
An interesting positive thinking exercise that many people overlook is to just do something that you enjoy doing. Rent a funny movie that will make you laugh or cook a nice meal. It doesn't matter what you like to do, nor does it matter why you enjoy doing it. The important thing is to ensure that it is something you enjoy.
When you enjoy doing something, it can be extremely hard to do anything other than think happy thoughts while you are doing it. If you enjoy it, your mind will automatically go into a positive thinking mode. This will help you feel better about your self or your surroundings.
Everyone has certain positive thinking exercises that work best for them. There is any number of exercises that will work, including those mentioned here. These are only a drop in the ocean, however, to the number of exercises that you many come across.
The best way to find the positive thinking exercises that work best for you is to experiment and see what happens. Find out what you can do that ultimately makes you feel better, and you will be well on your way toward training your mind to think positively.
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