Why are we happy?

Two statements and a video. First statement: I think that this lecture by Dan Gilbert explains a lot of what I wrestle with in comparing the developed world with the developing world…which is – which society is more content? Which society is better off? This talk gives some psychological context that can better answer that question.

Second statement: I’ve been browsing through these “TED” talks and really enjoying some of them…if you don’t know about TED, it is an annual conference that started with lectures about Technology, Entertainment and Design. They have expanded to cover related fields, but some of the best and brightest minds out there contribute to this conference every year. Browse the TED site a little, you’ll end up finding something that interests you.

Finally, a 21 minute talk by Dan Gilbert:

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Everything’s Amazing, Nobody’s Happy

A funny video I was sent a few weeks ago. This partially sums up one of the inner dialogues I had after coming back from Tanzania…

Louis CK on Late Show with Conan O’Brien. “Everything’s Amazing, Nobody’s Happy”

Chali Mulenga

“The point that a lot of us seem to miss is that to some, the wealth of a nation is not only measured by how much money it has, nor how developed it is. For development brings convenience and money may afford you that convenience, but an abundance in love is what brings true happiness.”

– Chali Mulenga

Chali was a friend of mine at UCLA. He was born and raised in the copper belt of Zambia. His parents moved to California while he was finishing high school. He is now finished with his undergrad at UCLA, and studying medicine.