Is happiness a choice?

It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Thailand. I’m surrounded by the same beautiful nature as usual, and I’m not happy. I take a trip to a different town for a few days, which is also quaint and beautiful. I go on a guided tour, eat good food, meet new people, and still feel empty in the end.

This is a recurring feeling. I have so many moments where I’m excited about life, and come back to a “blah” feeling. Is it depression? Loneliness? Boredom? Grief? All of the above? These feelings make me wonder if happiness is really a choice.

We all chase happiness, yet few of us hold onto it for long. It’s the aloof cat that comes to sit on your lap, and the moment you try to cuddle, poof! It’s gone. Maybe because we live in a world that benefits more from our unhappiness. Yes friends, we’re talking about capitalism…again.

The endless cycle of financial gain

Capitalism, by its very nature, thrives on the fulfillment of material desires, which often leads to a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction. This is because the system is geared toward continuous economic growth, often measured by gross domestic product (GDP), which doesn’t equate to individual happiness or societal well-being. The concept of “affluenza,”, suggests an intense focus on financial gain can lead to higher levels of disappointment and depression.

On the other hand, proponents of capitalism point out that the system provides equal opportunities for individuals to achieve success, although this does not guarantee equal outcomes for everyone. It’s a debate that touches on the very core of economic systems and their impact on human psychology and society at large.

Shift to a well-being economy

Finding a balance between capitalism and happiness, involves creating an economic system that not only focuses on growth, but also prioritizes personal wellbeing. This can be achieved by promoting policies that address social inequalities and enhance personal agency, thereby increasing the stability of interpersonal bonds.

A shift toward a well-being economy suggests a model where social well-being is advanced through governance structures that support peaceful co-existence and basic human needs, providing equal opportunities for advancement, social inclusion, and stability. It’s about redefining success beyond GDP, to include factors like health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Respecting individual rights while promoting the well-being of the majority is crucial for the fairness and functionality of the system. The challenge is integrating these values into the capitalist framework, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the cost of societal and environmental health.