Introduction

The concept of prioritizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has gained significant attention, particularly in nations seeking sustainable and holistic development. Inspired by Bhutan's pioneering approach, this article explores whether the United States should also shift its focus towards GNH as a primary metric for progress and prosperity.

Defining GNH and GDP

In the USA, the current government is heavily focused on transferring wealth from working and poor individuals to the rulers, a few of whom are American elites. This shift raises questions about the true goals of societal progress and the well-being of the populace. America's founding documents emphasize the pursuit of "Life, Liberty, and Happiness." While GDP is a crucial measure of economic output, it does not fully capture the essence of happiness and well-being.

Comparative Metrics for Happiness

There are several alternative metrics that can be used to evaluate happiness beyond GDP. The OECD Better Life Index and the Prosperity Index/The Legatum Institute offer valuable insights into the factors contributing to societal well-being. Comparing these indices with GDP can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a nation's progress towards happiness.

The Psychological Impact of Measuring Metrics

There is a tendency for individuals and organizations to improve and increase anything that can be measured. For example, students strive to achieve higher grades, salespeople aim to increase sales, and weightlifters seek to lift heavier weights. The United States, in choosing to measure GDP annually, inadvertently created an environment where GDP growth became a primary goal. As research indicates, personal happiness sees significant increases when income rises from 0 to around $50,000. However, beyond this point, the correlation between income and happiness weakens as our basic needs are largely met.

The Case for GNH

Subsequently, adopting GNH as a primary metric could lead to a happier and more fulfilled society, similar to what Bhutan has achieved. The Kingdom of Bhutan has been at the forefront of this movement, emphasizing holistic well-being over purely economic growth. By prioritizing GNH, the US could focus on enhancing the quality of life, fostering creativity, and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Challenges and Considerations

However, shifting the focus from GDP to GNH is not without challenges. Economic growth, while often detrimental to happiness, is essential for providing the necessary infrastructure and resources for a better quality of life. GNH metrics would likely require significant changes in societal priorities, policies, and incentives.

Conclusion

While the United States should indeed pay attention to the decoupling between income increases and happiness, it is not advisable to abandon GDP entirely. Instead, the US should explore ways to incentivize GDP growth that aligns with the goal of increased happiness. By doing so, we can work towards a more balanced and sustainable path to prosperity.