Samuel Dupret: Does Money Buy Happiness? (Happier Lives Institute) #17

Samuel Dupret, Research Manager at the Happier Lives Institute, discusses why improving wellbeing in global development can be a highly effective career choice, and why using evidence-based research to measure impact is key. He also talks about how pursuing a career in this field can lead to both personal fulfillment and global impact.

🔗 *Links/Transcript*

All Links: https://www.christiansforimpact.org/episodes/samuel-dupret Samuel's Org: https://www.happierlivesinstitute.org/ World Happiness Report: https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2025/giving-to-others-how-to-convert-your-money-into-greater-happiness-for-others/

⏳ *Topics*

00:00 – Intro

02:30 – Does Money Actually Buy Happiness?

04:50 – The Science of Measuring Happiness: Meet the "Welby"

21:20 – Should Christians Care About Happiness—or Embrace Misery?

34:20 – The World's Best (and Worst) Charities for Your Dollar

43:20 – Critiques of Measuring Happiness (HLI's Methodology Under Fire) 44:20 – Can We Really Compare Happiness Across Cultures?

47:20 – Spillovers: Is Happiness Contagious?

48:50 – GiveWell vs. Happier Lives Institute: Who's Right?

52:10 – Are Happiness Units Really Created Equal?

56:20 – What Did Jesus Mean by "Blessed Are the Poor"?

 58:05 – Does Measuring Happiness Mean Some Lives Are Worth More? 1:02:50 – Why Christians Might View Happiness Differently

1:05:05 – Careers That Actually Make the World Happier

 1:07:40 – Why "Follow Your Passion" Is Terrible Advice