Tuesday, January 29, 2008

If you're happy something is wrong.

"Business Week" ran a story last week about how Americans only rank 23rd on the list of the happiest countries. While the research was a little subjective, you have to agree that unchecked poverty and a weak health care system affects the overall happiness of our country.

Well, I just discovered this tid bit about how being happy isn't necessarily a good thing--what a bunch of nonsense.

Happiness Sucks
Why joy is bad for you.
By William Saletan
Updated Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at 8:02 AM ET

A study suggests extreme happiness may be bad for you. Findings: 1) "The highest levels of income, education and political participation were reported not by the most satisfied individuals, but by moderately satisfied individuals." 2) Extremely happy people "earned significantly less money" and earned lower school grades than moderately happy people. 3) They "may not live as long," either. Theories: 1) Happiness makes you complacent and kills your drive. 2) It makes you slow to adapt. 3) It makes you too optimistic and insufficiently vigilant about your health. 4) It may overstimulate your cardiovascular system. Researchers' conclusions: 1) "Happiness may need to be moderated for success." 2) "Extremely high levels of happiness might not be a desirable goal." Human Nature's conclusions: 1) Success may need to be moderated for happiness. 2) Extremely high levels of success might not be a desirable goal.