Richard Layard, a prominent British economist and member of the House of Lords, champions the integration of happiness into government policies. He discusses the surprising factors influencing well-being, emphasizing that money alone doesn’t equate to happiness. Mental health initiatives, childhood emotional well-being, and community connections play pivotal roles. Layard also explores utilitarianism’s ethical dilemmas and reflects on the societal importance of interpersonal relationships and contributing to a meaningful life.
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insights INSIGHT
Well-being and Elections
Life satisfaction strongly predicts election outcomes, often more so than economic indicators.
Governments should prioritize increasing citizen well-being for their own and their constituents' benefit.
insights INSIGHT
Measuring Well-being
Well-being is best measured by individuals' self-reported life satisfaction, reflecting their overall feeling about their lives.
This democratic approach allows individuals to evaluate their own experiences on a scale, rather than relying on complex indices.
insights INSIGHT
Well-being vs. GDP
Governments and organizations increasingly measure well-being, showing a shift from solely focusing on GDP.
However, fully adopting well-being as the primary goal remains a work in progress.
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Income and Emotional Wellbeing, a Conflict Resolved
Income and Emotional Wellbeing, a Conflict Resolved
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Daniel Kahneman
Barbara Mellors
Angus Deaton
Matt Killingsworth
The green book
Mu'ammar al-Qadhdha fi
Wellbeing
Richard Layard
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve
The Depression Report
The Depression Report
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Richard Layard
Can We Be Happier?
Can We Be Happier?
Richard Layard
The Incredible Years
The Incredible Years
Ev Miller
Happiness, Lessons from the New Science
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Richard Layard
Richard Layard's "Happiness, Lessons from the New Science" explores the science of happiness and its implications for government policies. Layard examines various factors influencing happiness, including economic conditions, social relationships, and mental health. The book argues for a shift in government priorities, advocating for policies that promote well-being rather than solely focusing on economic growth. Layard's work has significantly influenced discussions on happiness economics and the role of governments in improving citizens' lives. The book provides practical recommendations for governments and individuals to enhance happiness and well-being.
A theory of justice
John Rawls
In 'A Theory of Justice,' John Rawls develops a moral theory of justice as fairness, which is an alternative to utilitarianism. The theory is based on the social contract approach and uses the concept of the original position and the veil of ignorance to derive two principles of justice. The first principle, the greatest equal liberty principle, ensures that each person has an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all. The second principle, which includes the difference principle and the equal opportunity principle, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile liberty and equality in a well-ordered society.
The Point of View of the Universe
Henry Sidgwick
Richard Layard is a British Labour Economist, a member of the House of Lords, and co-editor of the World Happiness Report.
Layard highlights the role of life satisfaction and wellbeing in government policy, and the importance of addressing mental health through public initiatives. He speaks to his research findings on wellbeing, including the the influence of genetic, environmental, and cultural determinants of happiness.
Lives Well Lived 
