I know of no more encouraging fact
than the unquestionable ability of man to
elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.
~ Henry David Thoreau
I have written about the meaning of the word gross and our country’s Gross National Product, but I have never written about Gross National Happiness.
Then I watched 60 Minutes. The program discussed the policies of the government of Bhutan, which is seeking a policy of Gross National Happiness. They want their citizens to be provided with the necessities essential for their happiness, such as clean water, adequate nourishment and an education. They are controlling tourism and trying to present TV programs that will give their children more than our satellite broadcasts do.
Whether they will succeed or not remains a question, but it is a joy just to hear that their interest is in happiness, and not about being bigger, better, and richer than anyone else.
What is required for happiness? Maybe we all need to think that answer out again.
Peace,
~ Bernie
