Money is not the only goal
You might find it hard to believe, but Taiwan is the second happiest country in the East Asian community, between South Korea in 41st place and Japan in 43rd, according to a recent survey of 156 countries conducted by the UN Sustainable Development Soluti
The international body released its 2013 World Happiness Report on Monday and Taiwan scored 6.221 points out of 10 in terms of “how satisfied people are with their lives”, up from 46th a year earlier. Denmark topped the list for the second consecutive year with 7.693 points, followed by Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden.
To understand why scores may have changed, the research team at Columbia University’s Earth Institute in New York measured six variables linked to 75 per cent of the reasons behind the differences, namely real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption, and generosity. Compared to a year ago, the “happiness scores” went down in 41 countries and up in 60, such as Taiwan, which improved its score by 0.032 points.
But does it mean that Taiwanese people are happier now than a year ago? Not from a statistical point of view. The most important underlying message is that we need to change the way people think. Economic progress should not be the only goal a nation aims for, and we all need to focus more on quality of life and less on GDP.
Without doubt, policy should be more closely aligned with what really matters to people as they themselves characterise their wellbeing. In countries hit by the financial crisis, the survey shows that job losses and other economic factors led to the most declines in people’s spirits. At the same time, respondents pointed out that political instability equally played an important factor in their perception of their wellbeing over the last 12 months.
With this in mind, ruling and opposition parties should work harder to stop political infighting and bring more prosperity to the country. The economy is what the general public cares about in priority, but the proper handling of the current political upheaval is equally important for everybody’s mood.
In addition to paying closer attention to their citizens’ moods, our leaders must also admit that there are many areas that the country needs to improve. Taiwan still has inadequate ratings in categories such as housing, education and the environment, which are keys more productive lives and more happiness. Happiness can also help people earn more and be better citizens.
By measuring prosperity that goes beyond material wealth, we should focus on the idea that economic growth must be “inclusive, equitable and balanced”, as well as promote sustainable development that successfully alleviates poverty. If people can contribute to the common good, they will find themselves enriched.
As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon puts it, “Promoting happiness will help build the future we want.” That’s the message Taiwanese people should hear in order to be more confident about their future.
