Editor’s Introduction and Summary of Chapters

Abstract

The editorial introduction summarizes the other chapters in the book. It notes the increasing interest in human happiness in the 21st century with initiatives from the United Nations and other national and international organizations to enhance happiness in the world. European politicians have included the subject in their rhetoric and policies. In Britain the Office of National Statistics was directed to collect data and publish reports. The debate on the relationship between wealth and happiness is introduced. What is happiness? The question of definition is explored supporting a link between happiness and general well-being. How can happiness be measured? These questions are considered with reference to the Mass Observation study in 1938 and that by The University in the town of Bolton in 2014.