Comments on: The Complexity of Happiness http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/ The Sweet Release of Reason Tue, 22 May 2012 20:28:45 +0000 hourly 1 By: Boston Educated http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25068 Boston Educated Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:27:54 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25068 It's interesting to look at the orientation of the comments work like this study draws. The people responding online in no way constitute an unbiased sample, and I don't intend for my observation to be viewed as any kind of science... but it is so clear in viewing the responses why there are unfulfilled, and/or unhappy people in society. It's not a new concept, that supportive and loving friends and family relationships are what matters most in one's life when it is all said and done (Christ tried to pass that little nugget along to us). But the emotionally immature, inward looking, and anti-social individual is more prevalent today than ever as a result of the isolating effect of increased wealth. And those people are so absolutely obvious (and oblivious), the need to conduct such research to remind us of the simple answer to the question: What's important in life? is clear. It's interesting to look at the orientation of the comments work like this study draws. The people responding online in no way constitute an unbiased sample, and I don't intend for my observation to be viewed as any kind of science… but it is so clear in viewing the responses why there are unfulfilled, and/or unhappy people in society. It's not a new concept, that supportive and loving friends and family relationships are what matters most in one's life when it is all said and done (Christ tried to pass that little nugget along to us). But the emotionally immature, inward looking, and anti-social individual is more prevalent today than ever as a result of the isolating effect of increased wealth. And those people are so absolutely obvious (and oblivious), the need to conduct such research to remind us of the simple answer to the question: What's important in life? is clear.

]]> By: Boston Educated http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25067 Boston Educated Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:27:54 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25067 It's interesting to look at the orientation of the comments work like this study draws. The people responding online in no way constitute an unbiased sample, and I don't intend for my observation to be viewed as any kind of science... but it is so clear in viewing the responses why there are unfulfilled, and/or unhappy people in society. It's not a new concept, that supportive and loving friends and family relationships are what matters most in one's life when it is all said and done (Christ tried to pass that little nugget along to us). But the emotionally immature, inward looking, and anti-social individual is more prevalent today than ever as a result of the isolating effect of increased wealth. And those people are so absolutely obvious (and oblivious), the need to conduct such research to remind us of the simple answer to the question: What's important in life? is clear. It's interesting to look at the orientation of the comments work like this study draws. The people responding online in no way constitute an unbiased sample, and I don't intend for my observation to be viewed as any kind of science… but it is so clear in viewing the responses why there are unfulfilled, and/or unhappy people in society. It's not a new concept, that supportive and loving friends and family relationships are what matters most in one's life when it is all said and done (Christ tried to pass that little nugget along to us). But the emotionally immature, inward looking, and anti-social individual is more prevalent today than ever as a result of the isolating effect of increased wealth. And those people are so absolutely obvious (and oblivious), the need to conduct such research to remind us of the simple answer to the question: What's important in life? is clear.

]]> By: Jedi_Tiger http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25066 Jedi_Tiger Thu, 21 May 2009 23:04:38 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25066 What I disliked about this piece was the "moralistic" tone it used when discussing the value of relationships. It's not clear to me why we human beings find relationships to be such a strong source of value (and I do, like everyone else, but it's not a necessary truth). I think the way a study should approach something like the value of relationships to human flourishing is just to treat it like it's any other desire. What frustrates me about the piece is the value statement that's hidden there. "All that matters to human flourishing is the quality of our relationships, and isn't that great!" is the sense I got. What I disliked about this piece was the “moralistic” tone it used when discussing the value of relationships. It's not clear to me why we human beings find relationships to be such a strong source of value (and I do, like everyone else, but it's not a necessary truth). I think the way a study should approach something like the value of relationships to human flourishing is just to treat it like it's any other desire. What frustrates me about the piece is the value statement that's hidden there. “All that matters to human flourishing is the quality of our relationships, and isn't that great!” is the sense I got.

]]> By: Finding happiness in the saddest thing « A Fistful of Science http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25065 Finding happiness in the saddest thing « A Fistful of Science Mon, 18 May 2009 18:08:37 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25065 [...] Will Wilkinson among others likes this bit about the downside of happiness: [...] [...] Will Wilkinson among others likes this bit about the downside of happiness: [...]

]]> By: winton_bates http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25064 winton_bates Sun, 17 May 2009 00:06:34 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25064 Talking about longitudinal studies, Will, it would be interesting to have your thoughts on the finding that "happiness is contagious" that has come from research using the data base of the Framingham heart study. Reported here: <a href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/dec04_2/a2338" rel="nofollow">http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/dec04_2...</a> Talking about longitudinal studies, Will, it would be interesting to have your thoughts on the finding that “happiness is contagious” that has come from research using the data base of the Framingham heart study. Reported here: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/dec04_2…

]]> By: nobody.really http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25063 nobody.really Fri, 15 May 2009 17:28:29 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25063 Apostate! Blasphemer! Complex, well-rounded individual! Stone him! Stone him! (Can I at least stereotype you enough to assume you support legalizing getting stoned?)<br><br>You’ve apparently given this topic some thought; thanks or the link. Apostate! Blasphemer! Complex, well-rounded individual! Stone him! Stone him! (Can I at least stereotype you enough to assume you support legalizing getting stoned?)

You’ve apparently given this topic some thought; thanks or the link.

]]> By: Will Wilkinson http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25062 Will Wilkinson Fri, 15 May 2009 17:04:59 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25062 Maybe I am person who thinks there is more to life than political ideology and who therefore doesn't want to blog about politics all the time. Anyway, what does the fact that our relationships matter a great deal to our satisfaction in life (and it is a fact) have to do with libertarianism? Nothing much. <br><br>In any case, you're quite welcome to read my very long Cato paper on the policy implications of happiness research: <a href="http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8179" rel="nofollow">http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8179</a><br><br>Enjoy! Maybe I am person who thinks there is more to life than political ideology and who therefore doesn't want to blog about politics all the time. Anyway, what does the fact that our relationships matter a great deal to our satisfaction in life (and it is a fact) have to do with libertarianism? Nothing much.

In any case, you're quite welcome to read my very long Cato paper on the policy implications of happiness research: http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8179

Enjoy!

]]> By: nobody.really http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25061 nobody.really Fri, 15 May 2009 16:50:57 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25061 Nice article, nice summary. But we could read that stuff anywhere. Want we want to know is, what does happiness research say about libertarianism?<br><br>Fundamentally, the quality I derive from my life heavily depends upon my early relationships with my siblings? You mean, those guys I never chose to associate with, but rather were forced upon me? The jerks who borrowed my clothes and stuff, and poked their nose into my most intimate business? THOSE people? <br><br>I rely on autonomy rights to provide barriers against other people taking value from me. But in order to actually mount and defend such rights, I end up taking value from myself? <br><br>Really?<br><br>You’re an insightful guy, Will. But as a libertarian, you suck. Nice article, nice summary. But we could read that stuff anywhere. Want we want to know is, what does happiness research say about libertarianism?

Fundamentally, the quality I derive from my life heavily depends upon my early relationships with my siblings? You mean, those guys I never chose to associate with, but rather were forced upon me? The jerks who borrowed my clothes and stuff, and poked their nose into my most intimate business? THOSE people?

I rely on autonomy rights to provide barriers against other people taking value from me. But in order to actually mount and defend such rights, I end up taking value from myself?

Really?

You’re an insightful guy, Will. But as a libertarian, you suck.

]]> By: Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy « Around The Sphere http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25060 Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy « Around The Sphere Thu, 14 May 2009 19:23:54 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25060 [...] Will Wilkinson: What I liked so much about this essay, and about Vaillant, is the recognition that the complexity of human psychology, the complexity of coping and adapting to the challenges life throws up, makes relationships or “social aptitude” no simple thing. Vaillant points out that even the most “mature” strategies for adapting to disappointment, injury, or failure can strain our most intimate, sustaining relationships. And the reality of relationships over time tends to call for defenses that can threaten relationships. A positive, outgoing person may love freely and easily, but then become shattered by betrayal. Then what do you do? Steel yourself for the possibility of future pain by keeping some part of yourself private and out of the way? But then what have you done to your capacity to be nourished by intimacy and love? A lifetime of  rich relationships is not easy and therefore neither is the best kind of life. [...] [...] Will Wilkinson: What I liked so much about this essay, and about Vaillant, is the recognition that the complexity of human psychology, the complexity of coping and adapting to the challenges life throws up, makes relationships or “social aptitude” no simple thing. Vaillant points out that even the most “mature” strategies for adapting to disappointment, injury, or failure can strain our most intimate, sustaining relationships. And the reality of relationships over time tends to call for defenses that can threaten relationships. A positive, outgoing person may love freely and easily, but then become shattered by betrayal. Then what do you do? Steel yourself for the possibility of future pain by keeping some part of yourself private and out of the way? But then what have you done to your capacity to be nourished by intimacy and love? A lifetime of  rich relationships is not easy and therefore neither is the best kind of life. [...]

]]> By: Not to Worry, We’re All Crazy « William’s Continued Adventures http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25059 Not to Worry, We’re All Crazy « William’s Continued Adventures Wed, 13 May 2009 15:26:18 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25059 [...] to Will Wilkinson for the article. Posted by William Bruntrager Filed in Uncategorized No Comments [...] [...] to Will Wilkinson for the article. Posted by William Bruntrager Filed in Uncategorized No Comments [...]

]]> By: Paul O'Pinion http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25058 Paul O'Pinion Wed, 13 May 2009 12:17:59 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25058 Loved the article. Makes you pause. Some interesting facts on Mr. Vaillant which point to why he is so immersed in the study. Now I want to know more. Loved the article. Makes you pause. Some interesting facts on Mr. Vaillant which point to why he is so immersed in the study. Now I want to know more.

]]> By: mk http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25057 mk Wed, 13 May 2009 10:50:02 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25057 This is bad bayesian statistics:<br><br><i>Good sibling relationships seem especially powerful: 93 percent of the men who were thriving at age 65 had been close to a brother or sister when younger. </i><br><br>I'm sure there is a significant result there, but this is not how you would point it out. This is bad bayesian statistics:

Good sibling relationships seem especially powerful: 93 percent of the men who were thriving at age 65 had been close to a brother or sister when younger.

I'm sure there is a significant result there, but this is not how you would point it out.

]]> By: mk http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25056 mk Wed, 13 May 2009 10:46:03 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25056 Great post and article. Of course correlation is not causation (perhaps happiness causes social ties, more likely they are mutually reinforcing). Likely the study accounts for this in some way, haven't looked yet. Either way, excellent food for thought. Great post and article. Of course correlation is not causation (perhaps happiness causes social ties, more likely they are mutually reinforcing). Likely the study accounts for this in some way, haven't looked yet. Either way, excellent food for thought.

]]> By: aLeaFallson http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25055 aLeaFallson Wed, 13 May 2009 03:03:42 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25055 "But I just wanted to highlight this bit on Valliant’s take on current happiness research." I read this as "Valiant" initially.<br><br>I actually rather liked your typo, since it is apparent to me from the (limited) articles I've read on happiness, any research related to this topic incites debate from all sides, and I imagine one does have to be quite "valiant" to undertake it. “But I just wanted to highlight this bit on Valliant’s take on current happiness research.” I read this as “Valiant” initially.

I actually rather liked your typo, since it is apparent to me from the (limited) articles I've read on happiness, any research related to this topic incites debate from all sides, and I imagine one does have to be quite “valiant” to undertake it.

]]> By: Gratitude Watch - 2009-05-12 — The Meaning of Existence (and all that) http://willwilkinson.net/flybottle/2009/05/12/the-complexity-of-happiness/#comment-25054 Gratitude Watch - 2009-05-12 — The Meaning of Existence (and all that) Wed, 13 May 2009 02:39:30 +0000 http://www.willwilkinson.net/flybottle/?p=3410#comment-25054 [...] to Will Wilkinson for the [...] [...] to Will Wilkinson for the [...]

]]>