Eudaemonia

We take happiness seriously and as we continue our research into this area, we are thinking about the concept of Eudaemonia. A great term, that describes human flourishing.

It's not the same as a fleeting feeling of joy. Eudaemonia is a deeper sense of well-being that comes from living a virtuous life, being fulfilled in our relationships, and contributing to something greater than ourselves. It's about finding meaning and purpose in our life and aligning our actions with our values.

The pursuit of eudaemonia is a lifelong journey that requires us to have an understanding of ourselves and where we belong in the world. It is arguably reserved for those of us lucky enough to live in safety. Eudaemonia is about focusing on our personal growth, cultivating positive emotions, and practicing gratitude.

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row, in the World's Happiness Report 2023. The country is known for its high quality of life, beautiful nature, and strong social welfare system. The Finnish people value education, equality, and work-life balance, which contribute to their overall happiness. Despite the long, dark winters, Finns embrace the outdoors through activities like skiing and ice skating. Additionally, the country has a strong emphasis on mental health and provides easy access to healthcare.

It is not too hard to understand then that a recent Gallup poll has revealed that certain countries are home to the world's unhappiest people. The results show that many of these countries are located in Africa, with Afghanistan topping the list as the unhappiest nation on Earth.

Worry, stress and sadness soared to record-high levels in?Afghanistan?and were the highest in the world in 2021: 80% of Afghans were worried, 74% were stressed, and 61% were sad. Notably, no other population in the world has ever reported feeling this worried, even the Ukrainian population, under the deluge of Russian missiles strikes, report being happier, 2020-2022.

Reading Blind Spot: The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It, written by Jon Clifton, provides some insight.

The author draws on research to highlight the factors that contribute to unhappiness, such as income inequality, lack of social support, declining trust in institutions, and the erosion of community ties. He also examines the impact of globalisation, which has created winners and losers, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction and feelings of insecurity.

Overall, the pursuit of happiness and eudaemonia is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to any one factor. It requires a holistic approach that takes into consideration individual, societal, and global factors. It is clear that countries like Finland have found a way to create a conducive environment for happiness, while others continue to struggle. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to research and understand the complexities of happiness, so that we can create a world in which everyone has a chance to flourish.