Sacrificing happiness for development

COMMENTARY

Sacrificing happiness for development

Published: 17 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

I happen to agree with the adage that money alone can't buy happiness. So why do development policies seem to focus on economic growth with little consideration given to quality of life, social stability or public happiness?

Phra Ajarn Mitsuo Gavesako says economic growth does not necessarily coincide with moral development or social happiness.

A Gallup poll taken worldwide last month showed that Thailand ranked among the top in terms of citizens with positive attitudes, based on questions such as whether they were well-rested, smiled or laughed frequently or felt feelings of enjoyment. The Land of Smiles ranked sixth overall out of 148 countries, after Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

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ggh
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Discussion 2 : 17 Jan 2013 at 04.332
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I wonder if the expansion of public transport systems will help improve the quality of life for BKK residents? Development, if properly regulated, can have a positive effect for the majority of people. Religious beliefs and morality should be a priority in everyone’s lives regardless of state of development.
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ploydonut
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Discussion 1 : 17 Jan 2013 at 03.551
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I am think that we must love Thailand before ourselves. If we love Thailand and help it develop with the factory and the office, and the road, then we have money. When we have the money, then we can spend and be happy :)
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