The title is (intentionally?) imprecise. There are so many variables of value other than GDP. The US is #40 on the list of countries by citizen lifespan. It'

The title is (intentionally?) imprecise. There are so many variables of value other than GDP. The US is #40 on the list of countries by citizen lifespan. It's #15 on quality of life index (assuming you believe in the methodology of defining that index). It's #45 when freedom of press is measured. I would not be surprised if, after taking all the different indices into account, the US is not in the top 5 overall. GDP matters little if you don't have freedom, healthy long life, maternity leave (and other expensive but necessary quality of life benefits). Also, reconsider GDP per capita relative to hours worked. The US is not the leader here. It's no surprise that if you work a lot more hours, you should have higher overall output (diminishing returns, but still obviously higher).