1 . The idea that richer countries are happier may seem obvious. However, in 1974, research by economist Richard Easterlin found otherwise. He discovered that while individuals with higher incomes were more likely to be happy, this did not hold at a national level. In the United States, for example, average income per person rose steadily between 1946 and 1970, but reported happiness levels showed no positive long-term trend; in fact, they declined between 1060 and 1970. These differences between nation-level and individual results gave rise to the term “Easterlin paradox”: the idea that a higher rate of economic growth does not result in higher long-term happiness.
Recent research has challenged the Easternlin paradox, however. In 2013, sociologists Ruut Veenhoven conducted a study using statistics from the World Database of Happiness. Their analysis revealed a positive correlation between economic growth and happiness. Another study found that there is no maximum wealth threshold at which more money ceases to bring you happiness: “If there is a satiation point, we are yet to reach it.” The study’s findings suggested that every extra dollar you earn makes you happier.
According to psychologists Selin Kesebir, happiness also depends on how your income compares to the people around you. They argue that a country’s economic growth only makes its citizens happier if wealth is evenly distributed. In emerging countries with high income inequality—where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer—average happiness tends to drop because only relatively few people benefit from the economic prosperity. This suggests that governments should consider implementing policies to ensure equal distribution of wealth. The happier people are, the more productive they are likely to become, thus leading to improved economic outcomes at the individual and national levels.
There is continuing debate about the link between wealth and happiness, with arguments both for and against the notion that richer countries are happier. However, it is clear that wealth alone isn’t enough to make us happy. The effect of income inequality on happiness shows that happiness is a social responsibility. We need to remember the positive effects of generosity and building social connections. Perhaps our focus should be less on how much money we have, and more on how we use it.
1. According to the passage, Easterlin Paradox refers to ________.| A．The fact that the more money people have, the happier they will feel |
| B．The suggestion that money should be given the top priority |
| C．The question how economic outcomes are distributed nationwide |
| D．The opinion that higher income doesn’t necessarily bring happiness |
| A．satisfaction | B．controversial | C．central | D．sensitive |
| A．Money not enough. | B．Money not fairly distributed. |
| C．Money not legally earned. | D．Money not properly used. |
| A．What brings happiness | B．Easternlin paradox |
| C．Wealth and Happiness | D．Rising income, rising happiness |
