The equation of Happiness
The development of technology, especially labor-saving machine, presented a lot of saving time skills to workers, but somehow they look busier than ever. Something is wrong in the measurement of happiness. These days, the main concern for happiness is how to save time efficiently to have more time for leisure. The equation of the happiness can be simply written as following:
Happiness = saving time 1.1
To save time, we need extra money to buy the labor-saving machines or extra time to take time management workshops. Therefore, saving time requires more money and time.
Saving time = money + time 1.2
So when we compare the two equations, 1.1 and 1.2, we can extract a new equation for happiness.
Happiness = money + time 1.3
The equation, 1,3 looks reasonable. The ‘happiness’ is increased when money and time increased. However, something is missing. ‘Money’ and ‘time’ in 1.2 are not saving, but spending. Therefore, 1.3 should be changed as following:
Happiness = earning more money + working hour increase 1.3
In conclusion, we need to work harder to achieve the ‘happiness’, but it does not make sense. We are very clear that the ‘happiness’ in 1.3 is not the happiness we want.
Unfortunately, in real life, most people follow this wrong equation. For example, according to the annual statistics report of OECD in 2008, Korean workers won the top ranking of the annual working hours, but in leisure expenses, they ranked as the 20th of 21 countries. They work harder for happiness, but there is no happiness.