Why Nordic countries top world happiness rankings

Why Nordic countries top world happiness rankings
I've always wondered, "Which country is the happiest place to live in?"
I was interested in this, so I often saw it in the media.
I've been paying attention to things like "happiness rankings."
As the main ranking
Gallup rankings in the US
University of Leicester Ranking
For more niche topics, there is something called Legatum Research Institute.
I think most of you are familiar with the results.
Gallup (2010)
1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Sweden and the Netherlands
6. New Zealand
14. America
8. Australia
56. South Korea
81st place: Japan
University of Leicester (2006)
1. Denmark
6. Finland
7. Sweden
18. New Zealand
19. Norway
23. America
82nd place China
90th place: Japan
Legatum Institute (2011)
1. Norway
2. Denmark
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. Sweden
7. Finland
10. America
21st place: Japan
I only write about the major countries, but the low level of happiness in Japan
The Nordic countries are particularly high, and Oceania is following suit.
I think you can see that there is a high level of happiness.
Until now, I have thought that the reason for the high level of happiness in Northern Europe is because of their well-developed social systems.
I just assumed that this was the main cause.
However, other writers who were interested in the high level of happiness in Scandinavia also
Naoyuki Honda has actually traveled around the Nordic countries and Oceania to investigate the
The results were compiled into a book. This is exactly what I wanted to know.
As soon as I found out about this book, I ordered it immediately and read it that same day.
The title is "Less is more: Thinking about happiness in order to live freely."
http://www.amazon.co.jp/LESS-IS-MORE-%E8%87%AA%E7%94%B1%E3%81%AB%E7%94%9F%E3%81%8D%E3%82%8B%E3%81%9F%E3%82%81%E3%81%AB%E3%80%81%E5%B9%B8%E3%81%9B%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6%E8%80%83%E3%81%88%E3%81%A6%E3%81%BF%E3%81%9F%E3%80%82-%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%B0/dp/4478014701
The author himself has also summarized the contents of this book in six parts on the Internet.
I recommend that you at least read the outline of this website.
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/19942
It goes without saying that the social systems of these countries are excellent, but in fact, there is more to it than that.
This becomes clear from the contents of this book. As the title says,
"Less is more"
"Simple in appearance but rich in substance"
The fact that this is particularly evident in Denmark, which has the highest happiness level in all three countries combined,
It floats up.
A concept that every Danish person knows
There is apparently something called "Yantero" (the Law of Yante).
Please read it first.
1. Don't think you're special.
2. Don't think you are better than others.
3. Don't think you're smarter than other people
4. Don't be conceited about your own superiority.
5. Don't think you know more than others.
6. Never think that there is anyone greater than yourself.
7. Don't think you can do everything.
8. Don't laugh at others.
9. Don't expect kindness from others.
10. Don't be overconfident that others can teach you something.
It seems that Danish people as a whole have this kind of mindset at their core.
When I saw this, I immediately realized that every Japanese person of my grandparents' generation had this.
In fact, when I look at my grandparents, I see that they suffered a lot during the war.
I don't think they were materially wealthy, but they were richer than people today.
I think there are a lot of people who look cheerful and happy.
The author summarises all of these points with the phrase "know your limits."
At the same time, the phrase "knowing enough" came to mind.
As a pure Japanese person who can barely speak English, I think white people are like Americans.
I guess it was somewhere in my subconscious. When I saw this sentence, I was quite surprised.
I felt
I think the complete opposite of this is the world of American celebrities.
I like watching foreign TV dramas and watch them often, but most of them are American.
In American dramas, there are many stories in which people are extremely blessed, yet no one seems happy.
I think there are a lot of them.
In the Nordic countries, we have moved beyond the era when happiness was derived from material things.
We seem to be moving into an era where happiness comes from spiritual and experiential sources.
This may be a process that every country goes through as it develops.
Northern Europe has already passed that stage, Japan is on the way, and China and other countries still have a long way to go.
Everything... If you think about it like that, it makes sense. The author says, "Don't cling to things."
He said that being a "herbivore" is a natural progression and not something to be condemned.
Maybe so.
Also, I personally found it very interesting that in countries with a high sense of happiness, the priorities for food, clothing, and shelter are
The order is shelter → food → clothing.
I felt the same in Germany, but in Japan it goes from clothing → food → shelter, or food → clothing → shelter.
I think it is common for
In Scandinavian countries, people spend a lot of time living at home, so their homes are not just boxes.
It is a platform for enriching your lifestyle.
No wonder the houses there are so comfortable, including the thermal environment.
Finally, the author has come up with his own "10 new conditions for happiness."
I'll write it down.
1. I enjoy my work
2. I have good friends and a good family
3. Financially stable
4. Be mentally and physically healthy
5. Have exciting hobbies and lifestyles
6. I feel in control of my time
7. I choose my place carefully
8. I have good thinking habits
9. The future is clear
10. Have a sense of reaching your goal
How many of these apply to you?