Tweet: “What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with a million dollars in your bank account?”
Reply: “I’d keep quiet. It’s embarrassing to be poor in Switzerland.”
According to the Easterlin paradox, rich people and poor people are equally as happy if they live in different countries or societies. If they live in the same community, however, wealthier people are happier.
Put differently, when it comes to our level of happiness, on average we don’t care if we are rich (or poor), unless we’re richer (or poorer) than our neighbours.
We benchmark our wealth — and many other aspects of our life — against others around us.
The adoption of the Internet has radically broadened our societies. Instagram and Facebook connect people from all over the globe — rich nations and developing countries, bustling cities and bleak villages.
No matter who you are, there will always be someone better looking, younger, fitter and with more money than you.
Benchmarking yourself in our connecting world will not make you happier. Focus on what you have, and ignore the billionaire down the road or on your smartphone.
““What could be better?” “How do you find happiness?”
Anna paused, then said, “You start by looking right around you for the blessings you have. When you find them, be grateful.””
From Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan