> I consider such economic figures to be at best a very loose correlate to quality of life, and thus essentially irrelevant. I don't know any better proxy. The

> I consider such economic figures to be at best a very loose correlate to quality of life, and thus essentially irrelevant. I don't know any better proxy. The correlation may be loose, but there isn't any better or simpler alternative. >Because the vast majority of Americans have no idea how much better life can be in Europe, especially for average people. For fun vacations? Yes, because it's cheap, like Mexico. Good living and working conditions? No, we have it better. The "average people" care they can grab some cheap yet tasty food at anytime, have objects they order delivered quickly for cheap, work some not-too-awful job during the day to save for their children, and sleep safe at night, far from wars. The unemployment rate in Europe is concerning: even with a generous social safety net, people may grow unhappy if they can't find meaning in life. I'm not concerned about Europeans who can post on HN (they may be in the top percentiles of their country) I'm concerned about those who can't, and can't even have the American dream. > I don't need any external evidence. I have personal experience living in both places. Then It's a good thing you don't need external evidence, because it all goes against your personal anecdotal experience!