The World Knows: What is More Important, Money or Happiness?

The World Happiness Report, published in recent days, highlights an interesting trend: the countries ranking at the top of the report are those where residents report high levels of kindness and generosity. The report, based on data collected from 2019 to 2021, focuses this year on the link between personal happiness and positive social behaviors, such as helping strangers, donations, and volunteering.

Finland continues to lead the list of happiest countries for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The report notes that these countries have high levels of social trust, community support, and interpersonal kindness, which contribute to a general sense of well-being.

The report emphasizes the importance of pro-social behaviors, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor John Hattie, one of the report's editors, notes that "in countries where people demonstrated more kindness and generosity, an increase in happiness levels was recorded, even when faced with significant challenges."

Interestingly, the report found a global increase in kind behaviors during the pandemic. For example, the number of people reporting they helped strangers rose by about 25% in 2020 compared to previous years. According to the report, these behaviors not only improve the well-being of the receivers but also of the givers.

The report also considers the impact of social media on happiness. While some studies suggest that increased use of social media can harm mental well-being, the report notes that when platforms are used to foster social connections and community support, they can contribute to happiness.

In conclusion, the report emphasizes the importance of building strong and supportive communities where kindness and generosity are central values. It calls on governments and policymakers to encourage pro-social behaviors, understanding that they contribute not only to individual well-being but also to the social and economic resilience of countries.

The report provides important insights into the close link between positive social behaviors and the sense of happiness, offering directions for promoting general well-being in an ever-changing world.