Happiness Reflection

Our group this semester followed happiness throughout the globe, focusing on certain regions and what type of statistics contributed to their overall enjoyment. Denmark has the highest happiness levels among the European countries. Bhutan has very high happiness amongst citizens, as well, claiming that its society tries to create an environment where each citizen has the easiest and best chances of being happy. Mexico, in addition is one of the happiest countries on the world scale and out of the Latin American countries. Some tests indicate that happiness may come from genetic factors. Others say that it has to do with environment, in that a beautiful landscape contributes to the way in which one enjoys life.  Either way, each of these countries had some different quality that allows its citizens to find great happiness.

            Working as a group influenced my approach for the better. By collaborating, we were able to get many more viewpoints and much more information circulated. We met in smaller groups if it was difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedule and worked together, bouncing ideas off of each other. This group work made the project much easier because we had more support and more input in reaching the final product.

            One of the most interesting things that I found during this research is that many of the countries with high happiness levels were disassociated from riches and material wealth that many Western countries place great value on. Mexico, for example does not have a greatly functional government, and many of its citizens actually live in poverty. However, its children are some of the happiest in the world and the culture has developed a strong emphasis on family and religion. Despite many of the hardships the country has experienced, its people have built a great relationship with the world around them and to each other. This makes the country unified and content. A resounding theme throughout this project proves to be that money does not equal happiness. Working in a group on this project allowed me to gain better communication skills and do better research. We were able to better elaborate on our ideas and encourage each other to put forth interesting thoughts. The group work was overall helpful.