American Exceptionalism at Its Worst, Again - Pain and Unhappiness in the Greatest Country on Earth

The Washington Post reports today on an analysis of social science survey data that shows that Americans not only continue to report falling levels of life satisfaction but that they also report significantly more pain than most people in the world.

Sadly, it's very difficult to quickly change cultural norms of this sort. Moreover, the less happy we are, the more likely we seem to be to vote for politicians that only make things worse for the average person.

For example, what are the chances, do you think, that the huge tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy just passed by Congress, will lead to calls for cuts in the social safety net (Medicaire, Medicaid, Social Security)? What effects on our overall society are we likely to see from more pain and suffering among the poorest, if these wealthy politicians manage to cut our public services?

Of course, it's interesting that the other English-speaking countries fair nearly as poorly on these measures. This despite their more extensive social safety net. Maybe there's just something about our culture that makes us miserable?

An individual can't quickly change culture, but he can change his own behavior and values. Moreover, just as interesting as the simplification of such data into country averages is the fact that there is a very wide range of responses in such data. Individuals can and do choose to value something other than hard work, shopping, sports, cars, etc. We are free to choose to value family, exercise, relaxation, nature, shared experiences, art, creativity, music, health food, peace, justice, religion, and anything else that makes us happy and takes away our pain. After all, even in the U.S., where 34% reported pain in the last month, that means that 66% did not. Still, maybe we should all move to Switzerland or the Czech Republic?