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How the Government and Big Business Sold Us Well-being

Desmond Foster

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Published in The Happiness Industry: How The Government And Big Business Sold Us Well Being

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The government and big business have convinced us that we need to buy more and more stuff to be happy. They tell us that we need the latest iPhone, the newest car, and the biggest house. They tell us that we need to travel the world and experience all that it has to offer.

But the truth is, real well-being doesn't come from any of those things. Real well-being comes from our relationships, our communities, and our connection to nature.

Research has shown that the things that make us truly happy are:

The Happiness Industry: How the Government and Big Business Sold us Well-Being

by William Davies

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	922 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

Strong relationships. People who have strong relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are happier than those who don't.
A sense of community. People who feel connected to their community are happier than those who don't.
Purpose in life. People who have a sense of purpose in life are happier than those who don't.
Gratitude. People who are grateful for what they have are happier than those who aren't.
Optimism. People who are optimistic about the future are happier than those who aren't.

None of these things require money. In fact, some of them, like strong relationships and a sense of community, are actually enhanced by having less money.

The pursuit of happiness through consumerism has a high cost. It costs us our time, our money, and our planet.

Time. We spend countless hours shopping, working to pay for our purchases, and maintaining our possessions.
Money. We spend a lot of money on things we don't need and that don't make us happy.
Planet. The production and consumption of goods and services contributes to pollution, climate change, and other environmental problems.

The real path to well-being is not through consumerism. It's through relationships, community, and nature.

Relationships. Spend time with the people you love. Build strong relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
Community. Get involved in your community. Volunteer your time, join a club or group, or simply get to know your neighbors.
Nature. Spend time in nature. Go for a walk in the woods, sit by a river, or simply enjoy the sunshine.

These things are free and they are all proven to make us happier.

The government and big business have sold us a lie. They have told us that we need more and more stuff to be happy. But the truth is, real well-being comes from our relationships, our communities, and our connection to nature.

Let's reject the illusion of happiness and embrace the real path to well-being.

The Happiness Industry: How the Government and Big Business Sold us Well-Being

by William Davies

4.1 out of 5