According to the United Nations World Happiness Report, people in wealthier countries tend to be happier. This claim, while subject to dispute, suggests a correlation between wealth and happiness.

Note to Self: Picture a person winning the lottery. Would it make them happier?

The key question is whether we can measure happiness in a concrete way that's useful for policymakers. Bhutan presents an interesting case study, having shifted from GDP to Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its central development metric.

Note to Self: Imagine if your school grades were based not only on your tests but also on how much you enjoyed learning.

GNH is designed to capture policy outcomes such as time for leisure, improved healthcare and education, and social trust. It's not a vague aspiration; it's meant to guide and assess national policies with precision. While initially dismissed as impractical, the GNH concept has gained international acceptance over time.

Note to Self: Think of a gym instructor measuring not just your weight but overall fitness, diet, sleep, and mental health.

Every five years, the Centre for Bhutan Studies conducts an extensive survey of 8,000 households to generate the GNH index. The survey considers psychological wellbeing, health, time use, education, cultural diversity, good governance, community vitality, ecological resilience, and living standards.

Note to Self: Imagine a detailed annual check-up that doesn't just measure your height and weight, but also tests your knowledge, fitness, mental health, etc.