The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World

by Dalai Lama XIV

In looking at the traits of the happiest nations on earth, one discovers a pattern that appears to follow the Dalai Lama’s key principle: balance. Here we find a balanced approach that avoids extremes of independence and interdependence, Individualism and Collectivism, but rather incorporates both perspectives. In Scandinavian countries, for instance, one finds a Western industrialized culture, which is traditionally more individualistic, with the typically Western tradition of respect for individual rights and independent thinking. At the same time, you also find collectivist values, such as the cultural value that you shouldn’t stand out, the “nail gets pounded down” ethic. A similar pattern exists in other countries with the very highest levels of happiness, like Switzerland, demonstrating a balance between a sense of independence and a sense of interdependence, respect for individual freedom and initiative yet with a stronger sense of social welfare and a more active involvement in the affairs of the local community than is found in less-happy Western countries.