Rich or Poor: Does it make a Difference?
Happiness is defined in the dictionary as “a state of well-being and contentment.”1 Happiness is defined by Aristotle as “living life in accordance with reason and a habit of choosing to act virtuously.”2 I define happiness as the absence of want. History, culture, and beliefs shape a society, and whether or not that society is successful in helping their inhabitants achieve the good is important. The good is happiness and the happiness is good, but what assets are needed in order to achieve either? The way that a government and society functions is a vital tool that will not only help in the understanding of the overall happiness of a country but also in achieving the final good for an individual. Social norms, human rights, and basic wealth are also factors that play into the happiness of a community. A society that enables people to freely choose between right and wrong can better fulfill its function because it allows for its citizens to not only know themselves but also know the extent of their freedom. If a society is not ‘free’, virtuous thinking could be rare and the conflict that would eventually arise from this struggle of personal freedom could inhibit the people from using reason to seek the good. The wealth of a society can also shape the way its people view happiness. Wealthier nations typically have more money to spend, or waste, on material goods that are not essential to fulfilling the human function. A society that values material pleasures over habits in virtue may not be choosing the correct path towards happiness. On the other hand, nations that are not as fortunate often have to struggle in order to obtain the basic necessities of life. More often than not, however, the individuals in these societies are happier than those in wealthier nations because they know that one can be happy without material goods. The citizens of poorer...