By Brian Davey, Feasta
In place of the banal tautology of 19th century utilitarianism we need a deep study of the relationship between economic activity and mental health because this marketing assault, this religion of consumerism, has many aspects that do not appear to be doing us any good.
By Jason Hickel, Jason Hickel blog
HDI was invented in 1990 as an antidote to the GDP-based conception of development. It was considered progressive for its time, but it is clear now that it did not go quite far enough. Nearly 30 years on, it’s time for a better measure – one that will aid rather than hinder us in our efforts to build a more ecological model of development.
By Upstream staff, Shareable
Happy City's aim is to "reclaim happiness from commercial triviality and make it a guiding, radical principle for society." The organization invites individuals to explore what truly brings lasting happiness and gives communities the tools to measure and be attentive to what really matters.
By Erik Lindberg, Transition Milwaukee
This last phrase has been sticking out in my mind all day--the pursuit of happiness, especially.
By Laura Musikanski, Ben Roberts, Resilience.org
Laura of The Happiness Alliance tells about measuring values in our work and in our lives.
By Kurt Cobb, Resource Insights
For years my father--who is a really great guy--has been telling me that I'd be a happier person if I didn't write about all the converging threats bearing down on the human race. Turns out he's right!
By Christine Berry, New Economics Foundation
Putting well-being first instead of GDP doesn’t mean you don’t care about people’s living standards – on the contrary, a decent standard of living is a basic prerequisite for a flourishing life.
By Cecile Andrews, City Living Seattle
It’s easy to be dismissive of all the articles on happiness these days. They make you feel shallow: There are so many problems in the world, and we’re talking about happiness? But, of course, happy people are more likely to vote, to be environmentalists, to be good parents and good coworkers.
By Rob Hopkins, Transition Culture
Nic Marks founded the Centre for Wellbeing at the London-based think tank New Economics Foundation and also more recently founded Happiness Works.
By Cecile Andrews, Seattle City Living
A comment from a Swedish businessman caught my ear: “When you have heavy taxes, it takes away the desire to get rich, and then you start focusing on things that are more important than money. You care about other things than just getting ahead.”