Money does not buy happiness

Scientists think they have finally settled the debate about wealth and joy after surveying nearly 3,000 people from indigenous and local communities worldwide, 36 per cent of whom did not have any cash income, and discovering that many had high levels of life satisfaction.

The results contradict the thought that economic growth is a guaranteed way of increasing the well-being of the population in low-income countries.

Professor Victoria Reyes-Garcia, senior author of the study at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, said: "The strong correlation frequently observed between income and life satisfaction is not universal. It proves that wealth - as generated by industrial economies - is not fundamental for humans to lead happy lives."

Professor Eric Galbraith, of McGill University in Canada, added: "By learning more about what makes life satisfying in these diverse communities, it might help many others to lead more satisfying lives."

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.