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There was an episode of QI where this was mentioned (can't find the video now). It basically said the "happiest" countries (as best you can measure it) were the

There was an episode of QI where this was mentioned (can't find the video now). It basically said the "happiest" countries (as best you can measure it) were the ones with the lowest income inequalities (like Nordic countries).

olalonde 15y ago
Might not be a causality relationship though.
- mseebach 15y ago
  And then there's the strongly subjective nature of happiness. Can you really compare the happiness of a Norwegian and a Texan in any meaningful way?
- pasbesoin 15y ago
  I don't have studies at hand to cite, but there seem to be a growing number of them indicating or demonstrating that a significant portion of humans' cognitive ability goes into making (instantaneous, sub-conscious) comparisons. Contentment seems to be more a matter of "keeping up" and "as good as" than some sort of absolute measure. From an evolutionary perspective, this might -- speculation -- involve the individual ensuring they are still valued by and a member of community. If you aren't doing well within the community, you are at risk.