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The Mixed Blessings of Material Progress: Diminishing Returns in the Pursuit of Happiness

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The Exploration of Happiness

Part of the book series: Happiness Studies Book Series ((HAPS))

Abstract

The progress of nations is widely believed to enhance the happiness of their people. However, whether progress, as currently defined and derived, is increasing happiness and well-being in rich nations is problematic. The paper explores the relationship between economic growth and human development and the use of subjective measures of both life satisfaction and social quality of life as indicators of progress, noting the complex nature of well-being and the differences between personal and social perspectives. It questions whether widely used, simple measures are adequate, and whether greater happiness should, in any case, be regarded as the ultimate goal of progress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 23 Garland Rd, Bundanoon, NSW, 2578, Australia

    Richard Eckersley

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  1. Richard Eckersley
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Correspondence to Richard Eckersley .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Pathophysiology, and Transplantation, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan, 20157, Italy

    Antonella Delle Fave

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Eckersley, R. (2013). The Mixed Blessings of Material Progress: Diminishing Returns in the Pursuit of Happiness. In: Delle Fave, A. (eds) The Exploration of Happiness. Happiness Studies Book Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5702-8_12

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