Comments on: Capitalism = Happiness?

By: PiesaMeesa

PiesaMeesa — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:20:46 +0000

I know I am a bit late to jump into this blog, but I wanted to note that it seems a bit obvious that wealthier countries are happier countries (granted, to a point). When basic, human needs are met our minds are free to explore endless possibilities; stability leads to transformation, ironically. Beyond that, we are individually responsible for our happiness, our successfullness, and our generosity. When our worries are alleviated, there is nothing that we can not try – that is indeed a luxury. What is important to remember, however, is that to whom much is given, much is expected.

By: Will Wilkinson

Will Wilkinson — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:37:11 +0000

Inquisitor, Would you say that you live in a capitalist economy? Would you say you are self-serving, self-absorbed, and self-centered? Nick, The U.S. spends more per capita on health care by a wide margin. One reason is that we can afford to. Another reason is that most new medical technologies become available first in the U.S., when they are most expensive. A third reason is the silly way our system is structured gives consumers an incentive to opt for the most expensive procedure, whether they need it or not, since they are not exposed to the price. Also, the benefit to happiness decreases on the margin with extra wealth, but the correlation remains positive, even at high levels. It is also important to consider that within every society, wealthier people are rather more likely to say they are happy.

By: Inquisitor

Inquisitor — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 03:52:46 +0000

Capitalism does equal to happiness – except that happiness will be inequitaby experienced. We must also not forget that Capitalism redefines and redirects the human persona in ways that makes us the self-serving, self-absorbed and self-centred creatures that will necessarily avoid addressing or bothering with the first point.

By: Joshua Zader

Joshua Zader — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 02:36:59 +0000

I agree with you about wealth and happiness corresponding only “up to a certain point.”

You don’t think Americans spend a lot on health care? Probably more than anyone in the world?

Or are you just stumping for socialized medicine over here in the comments at Mudita Journal?

By: Nick H

Nick H — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 05:05:39 +0000

America spends a lot on health care?? Compared to what–3rd world countries?

All the studies I’ve seen on these subjects seem to always come to the same obvious conclusions: Wealth corresponds with happiness and well-being up to a point–once peoples’ basic needs are met–and after that, there is not necessarily much corellation.