Policymaking with happiness

Despite challenges, policymakers are monitoring and evaluating well-being

There should be little disagreement that the likely answer to the difficult question, “What is happiness”, is easy, “I wonder.” From the literature, however, what emerges is that there are two levels. The World Happiness Index (WHI), for example, uses qualitative — emotional spot reactions to freedom, corruption, societal support—responses, as well as quantitative—income, longevity—indicators. At the outset I admit that the literature is vast so that I have had to be partial in my coverage, my limited objective being assessing the WHI²

The earliest recognition of happiness appears in Rama’s instruction to reign to Bharata before he withdraws to