Q&A: Research says rich nations offer more paths to happiness



Justin Wolfers is one of the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania who has uncovered some surprising findings about how money affects happiness. Here, the associate professor of business and public policy explains some of their discoveries - and how they might affect you.

What shortcomings did you find with the original research on money and happiness?

When the original researcher compared rich and poor countries, he failed to find evidence that people in richer countries were on average happier than poorer countries. The problem was that he was examining only a dozen countries, and most of them were fairly rich. We now have data on over 150 countries around the world.

And what were your findings?

It's now clear: people in rich countries are happier than people in poor countries. Indeed, it's a remarkably powerful correlation.

How does more money affect how happy people feel?

We don't know exactly how money translates into happiness. In fact, it may not be money. It may be that the levels of economic development that rich countries enjoy give their people wonderful new choices about how to live their lives. So perhaps it is the extra potential that we each have - that we may choose to express in different ways - that makes us happy.

Give an example.

For instance, I didn't choose the job that made me the richest. But being in a rich country, I had some wonderful options, including a very fulfilling life as an economics researcher.

Is there another way to think about this?

The other way is to think about some of the misery that money helps us to avoid. We are rarely sick; we have access to clean water, good food and medication. Child mortality is incredibly rare in rich countries, but tragically common in poor countries. We are free of fear about where our next meal is coming from.

How does money boost your own happiness?

For me, money is helpful because it reduces fear and anxiety. I know my family and I are safe, housed and well fed. The other thing that money allows me to do is to make choices, including the choices to follow my passions.

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Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
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Henry Holt

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Director: Ruben Fleischer

Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone

Four out of five stars 

Results
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'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness' 

   

 

Director: Sam Raimi

 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams

 

Rating: 3/5

 
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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THE BIO

Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.

Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.

Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.

Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.

 

 

The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?

If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.  

 

Mia Man’s tips for fermentation

- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut

- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.

- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.

- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.

 

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Saturday  (UAE kick-off times)

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Levante v Alaves (4pm)

Real Madrid v Sevilla (7pm)

Osasuna v Valladolid (9.30pm)

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Eibar v Atletico Madrid (12am)

Mallorca v Valencia (3pm)

Real Betis v Real Sociedad (5pm)

Villarreal v Espanyol (7pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (9.30pm)

Monday

Barcelona v Granada (12am)

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