Children and Happiness: Discuss

Staff / Truthdig Jul 8, 2010 Those goofy social scientists, always trying to quantify life's seemingly immeasurable phenomena and solve intractable mysteries -- such as, for example, whether or not having kids makes people any happier. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Why Danes Are So Happy

Staff / Truthdig Jan 23, 2007 Multiple studies have suggested that Danes are the happiest people on the planet, but an article in the medical journal bmj.com goes one step further and attempts to understand why. Most likely reason they're so satisfied: low expectations. (h/t boingboing.net) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Misguided Pursuit of Happiness

Staff / Truthdig Jan 16, 2007 In this TED conference speech, Harvard super-psychologist Dan Gilbert explains why we humans are so notoriously bad at predicting what will make us happy. Fascinating stuff. Also: The TED page has a wealth of other great talks. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Happy Hangover!

Staff / Truthdig Jan 1, 2007 All the champagne in the world won't drown the bad memories of 2006, but, hey, we had some good times too (mostly that thumping Bush took in the midterms). From all of us here at Truthdig world headquarters, have a happy and safe new year! Here's hoping the world sobers up in 2007. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Vanuatu Is World’s Happiest Country, Study Finds

Staff / Truthdig Jul 13, 2006 The AP reports: "The tiny South Pacific Ocean archipelago of Vanuatu is the happiest country on Earth, according to a study published measuring people's wellbeing and their impact on the environment." Zimbabwe came in last of the 178 ranked countries. The U.S. came in at a dismal 150th. Of the G8 industrial powers, Italy scored highest at 60th. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Study: Money Does Not Buy Much Happiness

Staff / Truthdig Jul 3, 2006 According to a new study, not only does a higher income not make you much happier, but people with higher incomes tend to be tenser and spend less time on simple leisure activities. The Washingon Post has more. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Single and Fabulous

Staff / Truthdig May 8, 2006 The facts are these: Singles are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S., and marital status is not a determinant of happiness. Psychology Today magazine examines these findings and says singlehood is rapidly becoming "a satisfying destination rather than an anxiety-ridden way station." (Reg. req'd for Psy. Today.) Check out the Salon summary and analysis for more. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )