The Economic Effects of Religion on American Life

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There is some evidence that the number of people who believe life has meaning is in decline. Although religious observance is still relatively high in the United States, it is in gradual decline. The most miserable country in the world is Japan according to research.

Author Gregg Easterbrook talks about the ideas in his latest book, The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse. How has life changed in America over the last century? Is the average person getting ahead or are the rich taking all the gains? Easterbrook argues that life is better for the average American in almost every dimension. The paradox is that despite those gains, we don't seem much happier.