The science of happiness

(from bbc)


Rudin, M. (2006, April 30). The science of happiness. BBC News. Retrieved November 26, 2007, from
BBC Web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk

happiness vs pleasure
-happiness is a state; pleasure is a fleeting feeling

positive psychology
-if you cater to your strengths, then you'll be happier

"politics of happiness" video
reported by mark easton for bbc two's "the happiness formula"

-britain is really rich (richer than ever) but not happier than ever
-lord richard layard (prof of econ, LSE): human relationships are more important, but we've let those deteriorate in the name of increasing income
-england and wales have committees legally bound to try to make their citizens happier
-govt dept with a sole purpose of making the people happier
-layard:picture ads make people want things they don't need/want; makes people feel poorer (layard)
-taxes make us happier; increase well being; (layard) taxes help us not compare to each other cuz they reduce the gap between rich and poor; rich people make poorer people feel bad, so the hand of the govt can fix that;
-david halpern: britian prime minister's advisor