Americans Happiest Folks on Earth

[lawrocket 3]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20080102/bs_ibd_ibd/20080102issues01

How about that? While this does not seem to be truly objective reporting, here's a quote from it:

"The question is, why are Americans so darned happy?

For one thing, Americans are far richer than those in other countries. And yes, this matters. Contrary to popular belief, neither the Europeans nor the Japanese lead better lives than Americans.

A study a few years back by Sweden's Timbro think tank came to these startling conclusions: Virtually every nation in Europe lagged the U.S. in income. Indeed, if it were a state, the EU would rank 47th in per capita GDP -- on par with Mississippi and West Virginia.

Americans' homes have roughly twice the square footage per occupant as those in the EU, Americans own more appliances, and, on average, they spend about 77% more each year than Europeans."

So, happy happy joy joy, all!

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Butters 0]

So, money (and material possessions) does equal happiness?

"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch

[quade 4]

Meh . . . a bullshit feel good article by a financial rag. Hmm, let's see . . . what possible motivation could they have?

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[lawrocket 3]

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So, money (and material possessions) does equal happiness?

They do not "equal" happiness. However, they do help make it. I've own a house now. It makes me happier than living in a rental apartment. I have an ugly ass reliable car. A big fridge. I've got a kegerator (almost the definition of happiness for me - cold draft ale on demand).

Money in the bank. Happiness. I have money to feed my kids. Happpiness. I have money for health care for my kids (I just used some on Thursday). HAPPY JOY!

Think about it - people bitch and snivel when they have stuff stolen from them. Look at any two year old boy and take his favorite toy car from him. Unhappy boy.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[lawrocket 3]

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Meh . . . a bullshit feel good article by a financial rag. Hmm, let's see . . . what possible motivation could they have?

They are happy (making money). They want to be happier (make more money).

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[rickjump1 0]

It's about guns, free speech, and parachutes. We got em all.

Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

[SkyDekker 1,465]

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They do not "equal" happiness. However, they do help make it.

If Bill Gates just found out that his wife has been using a strap on dildo on all three of his children, how is his money going to make him happy?

[masterblaster72 0]

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Contrary to popular belief, neither the Europeans nor the Japanese lead better lives than Americans.

Have you been to Europe and Japan? I'd like to know how you can back up what you said with such certainty (other than the more property+money argument).

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[lawrocket 3]

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If Bill Gates just found out that his wife has been using a strap on dildo on all three of his children, how is his money going to make him happy?

Hence the reason why it does not "equal" happiness. But considering that Gates likely has few worries making a mortgage payment or dealing with the bare necessities of life, what are your thoughts?

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Zipp0 1]

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Americans' homes have roughly twice the square footage per occupant as those in the EU,

Not to be a debbie downer, but check that stat again next year.

Do they mention the savings rate in that article, because Americans aren't saving shit. We are spending money we don't even have.

--------------------------
Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

[lawrocket 3]

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Do they mention the savings rate in that article, because Americans aren't saving shit.

Why save when I can charge it, bro? Why buy health insurance when I can buy a flatscreen and get HDTV on demand?

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[kelpdiver 2]

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Meh . . . a bullshit feel good article by a financial rag. Hmm, let's see . . . what possible motivation could they have?

Financial rag? Which would that be? It was Yahoo and the "Pew Research Center."

Another extensive survey conducted in 2007 by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Americans termed themselves "satisfied" with their lives. That compares with the four economic powerhouses of Britain, France, Germany and Italy, which averaged about 53%.

--
It's not a feel good article - apparently we already feel good. And for some reason, these Europeans don't.

[martin-o 0]

As a person living in the origin country of Timbro, I would suggest taking their findings with a grain of salt. Timbro is a right wing think tank and it's official purpose is to promote political views from said direction.

edited to delete incoherent mumbo jumbo.

[quade 4]

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Financial rag? Which would that be? It was Yahoo and the "Pew Research Center."

Ahem, I'm guessing you didn't see the by line then "Ibd".

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[SkyDekker 1,465]

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Hence the reason why it does not "equal" happiness. But considering that Gates likely has few worries making a mortgage payment or dealing with the bare necessities of life, what are your thoughts?

True. In stead he has to worry about possible kidnappings of his wife and kids, just to name one worry. Money just changes the worries you have, it doesn't take any of them away.

[kelpdiver 2]

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Financial rag? Which would that be? It was Yahoo and the "Pew Research Center."

Ahem, I'm guessing you didn't see the by line then "Ibd".

ah, right-o. Thought that was a banner ad.

[PLFXpert 0]

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In stead he has to worry about possible kidnappings of his wife and kids, just to name one worry. Money just changes the worries you have, it doesn't take any of them away.

Bah. Bill Gates is a celebrity. And obscenely "rich".

To a certain extent money helps. Most people wish they had more than they do. It's what they do with it that makes the difference.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[TrophyHusband 0]

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Hence the reason why it does not "equal" happiness. But considering that Gates likely has few worries making a mortgage payment or dealing with the bare necessities of life, what are your thoughts?

True. In stead he has to worry about possible kidnappings of his wife and kids, just to name one worry. Money just changes the worries you have, it doesn't take any of them away.

while that may be a legitimate worry for bill gates, i don't think he lays awake at night worying aboout that. when you're poor, you lose sleep worrying about how to pay for rent or mortgage, car payments, food, and health insurance. when you're poor, you tend to drive a shitty car, so you have to worry about it breaking down. if it does, how are you going to get to work because you don't have the money to fix it. you have little entertainment options. ataining a certain level of financial achievement will indead make you happier. i've been on both sides of it and i can truly say that i am happier not having to live on ramen noodles or limit my driving to make sure i have enough gas to get back and forth to work before the next payday. that said, once you have enough resources that those things are no longer an issue, i don't know that more money will make you happier.

"Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama
www.kjandmegan.com

[nerdgirl 0]

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So, money (and material possessions) does equal happiness?

Nope.
It does go long way to relieve misery, however.

VR/Marg

Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters.
Tibetan Buddhist saying

[kelpdiver 2]

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i've been on both sides of it and i can truly say that i am happier not having to live on ramen noodles or limit my driving to make sure i have enough gas to get back and forth to work before the next payday. that said, once you have enough resources that those things are no longer an issue, i don't know that more money will make you happier.

At least in the US, it appears true (and most research confirms) that the happiness curve levels out once basic needs are met. But looking at those polls for other nations, maybe this is not a universal truth. Or maybe Americans are optimists (or blind to problems).

[lawrocket 3]

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maybe Americans are optimists

Which is probably it in a nutshell. We don't bitch about stuff - we try to fix it ourselves. The American ethos has been one of self-reliance. Kings and queens? Forget that.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[rickjump1 0]

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maybe Americans are optimists

Which is probably it in a nutshell. We don't bitch about stuff - we try to fix it ourselves. The American ethos has been one of self-reliance. Kings and queens? Forget that.

As high as our taxes are (they could get higher), we keep more of our paychecks, but I understand the American worker does have a longer work week.

Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

[lawrocket 3]

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I understand the American worker does have a longer work week.

Yep. We don't have the time to bitch and complain.

I remember working in downtown Los Angeles. There would be frequent protests, that kind of thing. A coworker said, "You know, you never see a counterprotest." I said, "That's right. We have jobs."

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[mnealtx 0]

I'm not sure that you do, actually....

*and before anyone jumps on me, I know that the conversion numbers aren't exact and the US tax numbers aren't down to the penny either... it's for rough comparison only, so bite me!!

UK tax
10% 0-2230 GBP ($4400)
22% 2231-34600 GBP ($4400 - $68300)
40% 34600 + (68300 +)

US Tax (single)
10% up to $8025
15% $8025 - $32550 (+ $802)
25% $32550 - $78850 (+ $4481)
28% $78550 - $164550 (+ $16056)
33% $164550 - $357700 (+ $40052)
35% $357700 + (+ $103791)

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[rickjump1 0]

Maybe, I've been hoodwinked.

Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.