Ridiculous History Bhutan Grades Itself On Happiness
Nov 12, 2024
Discover Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom where happiness trumps GDP. Its Gross National Happiness approach reshapes national success by prioritizing well-being over wealth. Delve into Bhutan's rich Buddhist history and the transition to a constitutional monarchy. Learn about its unique cuisine, filled with distinctive ingredients and flavors. This captivating discussion reveals Bhutan's enchanting beauty, cultural uniqueness, and the challenge of balancing tourism with environmental preservation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Happiness Over GDP
- Bhutan rejects GDP as the sole measure of national success and prioritizes citizens' well-being instead.
- The kingdom formalized Gross National Happiness as a governing philosophy starting in 1972 and beyond.
Multi-Domain Happiness Metrics
- Gross National Happiness uses multiple lenses: equitable socioeconomic development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and clean governance.
- Bhutan treats these collective conditions as the practical checklist for creating a good life.
A King's Idea That Went Global
- King Jigme Singye Wangchuck coined Gross National Happiness in 1972 after observing social and environmental harms tied to GDP growth.
- The idea spread internationally and sparked conferences rethinking economic measurement by 2005.