I don't think the government is going to be good at figuring out what those things are, nor are the statisticians. The most important thing for policy that the science can do is just really for the public for the public mind in the culture. I'm optimistic, though, that there are at this point, we still need to figure it out. It's not a gymnastics routine.
Philosopher and author Daniel Haybron of St. Louis University talks about his book, Happiness, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Happiness turns out to be a little more complicated than it sounds. Haybron discusses the good life and different philosophical perspectives on how to achieve happiness.