Happiness and Democracy

Happiness and Democracy

Today, here in Australia, we’re having a federal election. Now I must admit I don’t really enjoy the weeks leading up to these events very much; lots of politicing and dubious promises.

At the same time, however, as I was walking up to cast my vote this morning I realised that it was a wonderful thing I had the opportunity to do…vote! Regardless of who wins tonight or tomorrow the fact remains that we do and will continue to live in a democracy. Depending on the result, some people will probably be better off and others might suffer. But either way, the wold will keep turning and we will still, almost all of us, have a great quality of life with access to education and health care and most of the things that allow those of us who choose to to experience health, wellness and happiness.

Because happiness and democracy have something in common…they both depend on choice. We all have choices in the way we live our lives and in the way we vote at elections. That’s why democratic nations tend to score more highly on national happiness and wellbeing measures.

So don’t ever loose sight of this and appreciate that we live in such a great society. In my opinion also, to ensure the happiness of as many people as possible we should also do what ever we can to ensure as many as possible live under peaceful and democratic conditions.