The pursuit of happiness

Financial Times

But, understanding what contributes to happiness is valuable. The WHR shows that life evaluations can be largely explained by six factors: GDP per capita, levels of social support, health, freedom, generosity and perceptions of corruption. These drivers of fulfilment are a far better basis for policy. An equivalent approach is to see the role of government as reducing the causes of unhappiness. This focuses on giving citizens the capability to improve their own lives, by providing basic public services, supporting freedoms and protecting them from harm.