A couple of interesting items in the news.
Armenia is the 78th most corrupt country in the world, while Azerbaijan and Georgia are top ten. True, I don't like comparing Armenia to countries with poor records to make me feel better, but they did start off in about the same place a decade ago, and despite the blockade and the aftereffects of the earthquake, Armenia has certainly made greater strides than its neighbors. The study is by Transparency International, a well respected group.
Another study places Armenia in the bottom three countries in the world when it comes to happiness. I think the others at the bottom are also former Soviet Union. The happiest was Nigeria, followed by some Latin American countries (Mexico among them I think). I do believe the fall in living conditions since the collapse of the USSR can explain much of this, but in general the study shows that "undeveloped" countries have the happiest people. In other words, wealth does not make people happier. Surprising? Hardly. The desire both for "things" and for "better" things than the neighbors own are two things which drive many people in the west, and which make their lives unfulfilling. Spending less time working, and spending less money allows more time to enjoy peoples company, pursue hobbies (not just watch TV to unwind) and travel. I still maintain that 2 weeks vacation a year is cruel and unusual punishment, and think the whole world agrees on this.
Alright, I'll get off my soapbox now, but these studies were interesting news worthy of sharing I thought.
Armenia is the 78th most corrupt country in the world, while Azerbaijan and Georgia are top ten. True, I don't like comparing Armenia to countries with poor records to make me feel better, but they did start off in about the same place a decade ago, and despite the blockade and the aftereffects of the earthquake, Armenia has certainly made greater strides than its neighbors. The study is by Transparency International, a well respected group.
Another study places Armenia in the bottom three countries in the world when it comes to happiness. I think the others at the bottom are also former Soviet Union. The happiest was Nigeria, followed by some Latin American countries (Mexico among them I think). I do believe the fall in living conditions since the collapse of the USSR can explain much of this, but in general the study shows that "undeveloped" countries have the happiest people. In other words, wealth does not make people happier. Surprising? Hardly. The desire both for "things" and for "better" things than the neighbors own are two things which drive many people in the west, and which make their lives unfulfilling. Spending less time working, and spending less money allows more time to enjoy peoples company, pursue hobbies (not just watch TV to unwind) and travel. I still maintain that 2 weeks vacation a year is cruel and unusual punishment, and think the whole world agrees on this.
Alright, I'll get off my soapbox now, but these studies were interesting news worthy of sharing I thought.
posted by Raffi K. at 10:53 AM
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