Chasing Happiness: A Global Quest for Meaning

Are you happy?

How do you define happiness? It's a question that dances through our minds like a melody seeking harmony. If I were to ask you which countries you think are the top three happiest in the world, your answer might echo, "it depends." And you'd be right. Without a unified definition of happiness, pinpointing the happiest countries becomes as elusive as chasing a rainbow's end. Let's take a joyride through the comparisons of two prestigious organizations' research on this matter.

One study was conducted by Ipsos, while the other was a collaborative effort by the Sustainable Development Network, Gallup, Oxford, and the Wellbeing Research Center. It's fascinating to note that the top 20 happiest countries differ significantly between the two. Ipsos's list boasts even developing nations, while the SDN's leans toward first-world countries.

Each research methodology varies in measuring a country's happiness level. But fear not, I'll provide snapshots of each approach for your perusal.

Before you debate whether Costa Rica is a developing country, consider this: its GDP per capita in 2022 was US$13,365, compared to Indonesia's US$4,788 and Thailand's US$6,909.

Ipsos delves into 30 factors influencing happiness, with the first five are: “My children”, “My relationship with my partner/spouse, “Having access to/being in touch with nature”, “My level of education”, and “My friends”.

Meanwhile, the SDN focuses on six main factors: Log GDP per capita, Social support, Healthy life expectancy at birth, Freedom to make life choices, Generosity, and Perception of corruption.

Which resonates more with you? Ipsos's microfoundations of happiness or the SDN's macro-level data? It's like choosing between a cozy fireside chat and a stimulating global symposium.

Just as these researchers define happiness, we too must set clear criteria and know how to measure it. In my culture, the Batak people from North Sumatera, Indonesia, teach three criteria of happiness (all are equally equal):

1. Hamoraon: This refers to earning a living or providing for one's family. It emphasizes the importance of economic stability and being able to support loved ones financially.
2. Hagabeon: This concept relates to having descendants or a family legacy. It underscores the significance of family and lineage, reflecting the desire for continuity and the passing down of values through generations.
3. Hasangapon: This pertains to living with honor or dignity. It emphasizes moral integrity, ethical conduct, and maintaining one's reputation within the community. It's about upholding principles and being respected by others.

Other cultures may have their own standards, but the beauty lies in our diverse interpretations.

Unfortunately, many stumble in the pursuit of happiness, lost in the labyrinth of pleasing others. Yet, as Elizabeth Parker once said, "The only thing wrong with trying to please everyone is that there's always at least one person who will remain unhappy. YOU!" Trying to please everyone obscures our own happiness. We must listen to others' opinions but craft our unique happiness metric.

The tumultuous years of 2020-2021 forced many into the embrace of uncertainty. Yet, within this chaos bloomed an opportunity for introspection. It's a chance to redefine our happiness, to sift through life's clutter and unearth the gems of joy that truly matter.

In a world clamoring for conformity, dare to chart your own happiness map. Let it be as unique as your fingerprints, as vibrant as your dreams. For in the end, happiness isn't found in conformity but in the courage to live authentically, to dance to the rhythm of your own heart.

So, dear reader, as you navigate this wild and wondrous journey called life, pause for a moment and ask yourself: Are you happy?