Somewhere between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, we find ourselves in the matter of happiness as measured by some annexe of the United Nations.
Specifically, among 143 countries, we rank 50th. Happier than anyone else, for the sixth consecutive year, are the Finns.
We have envied their ranking in education surveys until now (perhaps the two, education and happiness, are related).
Asked what makes his compatriots so satisfied with their lives, Finnish psychologist and philosopher Frank Martela cited three things: They don’t compare their lives, especially the material goods each possesses, and they don’t flaunt them.
They enjoy nature by spending time outdoors and engaging in various activities. They trust each other and, of course, the authorities.
In 2022, in an experiment called the “lost wallet experiment,” 192 wallets were left exposed in 16 cities around the world. In Helsinki, 11 out of the 12 wallets left were returned to their owners.
It is almost certain that if someone forgets their phone or laptop somewhere, it will be returned to them.
“Focus more on what makes you happy and less on appearing successful. The first step to true happiness is to define your own standards instead of comparing yourself to others,” advises Martela.
Among the factors examined in the survey to measure the happiness of citizens of each country are social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
Only for this last one are we at a disadvantage.
The former leader of the country is under investigation for corruption, the former second in command is also in court for corruption, and the Church is shaken by scandals of all kinds (behind which, beyond the surface, is, of course, corruption).
And most importantly, almost no citizen believes that all this will lead to some kind of reform.
Second in the rankings is Denmark, whose happiness is partly due to the level of equality and the sense of responsibility for social welfare, according to the country’s official website.
Danes pay some of the highest taxes in the world—up to half of their income—but the benefits they receive are such that they feel the money they give is not given unfairly. As for us, in our 50th place, all we can do is enjoy nature. What’s left of it.
