Happiness is the ultimate goal of existence.

Live, love, laugh and be happy

– Harry Woods, 1926

Aristotle famously observed: “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Nearly 2,500 years later, this remains a compelling guide: our own happiness – and that of those around us – is the legitimate goal of existence.

Defining happiness

Happiness combines sensory pleasure (hedonia) with deeper psychological fulfilment (eudaemonia).

It encompasses both short-term pleasure and long-term flourishing.

Aristotle’s warning applies: “One swallow does not make a summer” – fleeting happiness is not enough; enduring happiness is the goal.

Happiness is the only thing that can truly be seen as an end in itself, rather than a means to some further end.

The three elements of happiness

1. Momentary feelings – experiencing sensory or psychological pleasure versus pain (positive or negative affect).

2. Life meaning and purpose – achieving personal potential, however we define it.

3. Timespan – the duration over which these experiences occur, ideally across a healthy lifespan.

How happy are people?

Data from the World Happiness Report (UN, 2012-2025) and Ipsos Global Advisor show that personal happiness is achievable but not guaranteed.

2025 report highlights:

• 100 of 147 countries have an average score 5/10 on the Cantril ladder.
• 68% of countries report more positive than negative life evaluation.

In 68% of countries, people are more positive than negative when it comes to happiness.

Happiness by country

Highest-ranking countries (2025) out of 10 on the Cantril scale:

1. Finland – 7.7
2. Denmark – 7.5
3. Iceland – 7.5
4. Sweden – 7.3
5. Netherlands – 7.3
6. Costa Rica – 7.3
7. Norway – 7.3
8. Israel – 7.2
9. Luxembourg – 7.1
10. Mexico – 7.0

Lowest-ranking countries:

147. Afghanistan – 1.4
146. Sierra Leone – 3.0
145. Lebanon – 3.2
144. Malawi – 3.3
143. Zimbabwe – 3.4
142. Botswana – 3.4
141. DR Congo – 3.5
140. Yemen – 3.6
139. Comoros – 3.8
138. Lesotho – 3.8

Selected others:

22. UK – 6.7
23. US – 6.7
55. Japan – 6.1
66. Russia – 5.9
68. China – 5.9
118. India – 4.4

Trends and observations

Happiness levels had generally been rising but have recently declined in countries such as the US, Switzerland, and Canada.

Wealth generally correlates with happiness, but exceptions exist: e.g., the US ranks lower than some poorer nations, possibly due to higher economic inequality.

Social media, societal changes, and other factors may influence these trends, but causes remain debated.

Happiness is eminently achievable, although certainly not guaranteed.