Gross National Happiness in Bhutan
Imagine a country that measures its success not on how much profit the stock market makes or the amount of goods sold and purchased, but rather on the overall happiness of its people. An impossible dream, you think?
Nope, not if you live in the Buddhist country of Bhutan. Their King made Gross National Happiness an official goal of the government, as noted in one of his 2007 speeches: “…we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have—and no matter how these may change in this changing world – ultimately without peace, security, and happiness we have nothing.That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness…”
Wow. I was reminded of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness policy today by way of a bumper sticker. It was one of those times when being in that exact place at that exact time made my day. It was a wonderful reminder that despite the daily news, really good things are happening in this world and that anything’s possible.
This got me inspired to start thinking about my own happiness quotient—and making one of my mantras: Don’t worry—be happy!
—Julie Sinclair, editor-in-chief
