“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are rights upon which the United States of America was built. Our country is focused on economic growth as the primary factor in determining national well-being.

Some say that economic prosperity does not necessarily have a bearing on how people perceive the quality of their lives; that government should put greater emphasis on such happiness-producing factors as health, social and community vitality, and ecological vitality.

Other critics argue that happiness is a highly subjective concept and that government might simply define it in ways that suit their interests; that economic growth is what produces healthier, wealthier, wiser and happy citizens.

What do you think?