Tracing the roots of happiness

"How are you?"

"I'm fine. Thank you."

We often hear such questions and answers in civilised society.

However, are we really interested in the physical or mental health of others? Similarly, "I'm fine" has become a platitude because most of us are not so happy when we say so.It is rather impossible to find a man or woman who is happy right throughout his or her life. Therefore, happiness appears to be a subject of much speculation.

Where do the roots of happiness lie? Are we happy if we have a lot of money? Does a string of titles added to our names make us happy? Then there are people who want to eat and drink well. Most people will admit that money does not bring happiness. Although it is said that "Health is wealth", some healthy people are not so happy. They may be having other problems.

Marriage

Young men and women get married thinking that marriage will bring them happiness. But how many married couples are leading happy lives? Then there are others who wish to remain single. At some stage of life they are bound to feel helpless and miserable.

There is a misconception that country folk are happier than those in towns. Villagers have no access to higher education, health facilities and entertainment. So, they are not happy with their lot in life. City dwellers who have access to all such facilities crave to live in villages because they are under constant stress.

Being in love is one of the most critical ingredients of happiness.

Modern social scientists have subjected the issue of happiness to an empirical test to find out the determinants of happiness. They have exploded some of the myths people believe in. One such common sense notion we hold is that the majority of the people are relatively unhappy. The empirical tests reveal that the vast majority of the people are "fairly happy."

Money

The studies of social scientists reveal that the correlation between money and happiness is rather weak. Some poor people lead happy lives although they do not have money. Farmers are very happy during the harvesting season. The same situation can be applied to fishermen.

Both farmers and fishermen enjoy seasonal happiness.

Social scientists say that even those who earn a lot of money too are not so happy. If at all, they are 'marginally happy' or happier than the middle class. Most wealthy people are not happy because they run short of money after spending lavishly on expensive houses, vehicles or gambling. The Government also levies heavy taxes on them.

Some studies have considered whether there is a nexus between age and happiness. Young people seem to enjoy themselves but social scientists say that most of them are unhappy because they have to work hard to pass examinations and find jobs. The unemployment problem looms large in their lives. Sometimes elderly people who have retired from various professions lead relatively happier lives.

Gender

Are men happier than women? It is generally believed that women are unhappy because they have to bear children and lead a hectic life with their husbands and relatives. However, one major study has confirmed that gender does not play a major role in determining happiness.

Sometimes, we tend to think that educated and intelligent people are happier than ordinary men and women. However, social scientists say that intelligence and IQ (Intelligence Quotient) scores have no relation to happiness.

Most men and women patronise the gymnasium or beauty parlours to keep their bodies trim and attractive. Does this mean that there is a link between beauty and happiness? Studies show that the correlation between attractiveness and happiness is negligible.

Then, what makes people happy? Social scientists suggest that being in love is one of the most critical ingredients of happiness. Despite certain attendant problems, even marriage is a source of happiness.

Married people are said to be happier than the single and divorced. On the other hand, work gives us happiness. Most people work even after retirement. Their predominant aim is to derive happiness from work more than earning money.