Hello Reader,
Have you tried some grounding? Probably not but maybe it will be useful one day.
I've reflected on the idea that only happiness should be used for life evaluation (not success, health, wealth, growth etc.). This reflection was triggered when reading about Amartya Sen who is an influential scholar in the field of economic and humanitarian development. His capability approach suggests offering so-called freedoms so that people can live their lives to the fullest. In the development field, people's and nation's development was measured in the growth of capital (GDP). Sen was part of the team creating the Human Development Index which weighs GDP but also life expectancy, average school years and literacy.
Sen promotes self-actualisation which is the empowerment to live our lives as we wish. While there are always circumstances we have to manage, equipping ourselves with capabilities like health and education but also societal freedoms to follow our individual paths helps us to find the good life (and happiness).
Happiness is often one of the evaluators, however, it should be the only one. Everything should be measured if it makes us happy. If it doesn't make you happy, find another way. This might seem very subjective and circumstantial... but isn't that the point?
As always, have a happy week!
Anja
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