New Happiness Blog

by Will Wilkinson on October 29, 2005

I’ve decided to start a single issue blog devoted to happiness research, policy, and politics, in support of the paper I am writing for Cato and as a one-stop resource for others interested in happiness and policy (but perhaps not interested in other stuff I write about here.) All my Fly Bottle happiness posts, along with your comments, have been imported there. I’ll start out cross-posting happiness stuff, but eventually (when Google starts to notice the new blog), I’ll start just pointing you to Happiness and Public Policy. I’m just getting started setting the thing up, and there’s a lot more to come, including bibliographical resources, featured books, and other useful research tools.

The Advanced Soul

Unfortunately Happiess is against public policy. From public school to the work place, they usually try to stiffle our creativity and emotions until we become depressed, fat and on meds. :)

Minerva Oblongata

I first really took notice of this topic concerning happiness and public policy at a Brookings event where research done in this area regarding developing countries was being presented. The crossed paths of measuring happiness and using it as a guide in policy struck me as so obvious on one hand, yet intriguing and a mystery on the other. How is it really done? Is it a "good" indicator? What are its implications across cultures?

Having been a psychology and social work student, yet always with a focus and interest in public policy I am eager to learn more about this area and to ponder how it may, if at all, be applicable to society - globally or more at-home. I look forward to reading more of your ideas on the subject.

FXKLM

You might be interested in seeing Saturday's Dilbert. The text of the first frame is "Research has shown that happiness in not related to one's absolute level of wealth."

http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/dilbert-20051029.html