In recent years, compiling “happiness indices” has become fashionable. Various people and organizations compile them based on population surveys or “objective economic indicators.” Curiously, whatever the source, our country almost always ends up in the lower reaches of these ratings—a pattern confirmed by yet another index recently published by the German “Foundation for Future Issues.” Only the Russians, who round out the list, are less happy than Ukrainians.
We were taught that a sound mind dwells in a sound body. Of course, the absence of illness makes a person happier. But one can certainly say that a sound mind also produces physical health. The ability to find harmony with oneself and the world clearly makes a person’s attitude toward reality more positive. And, as practice shows, such a person gets sick less, primarily from various “cardiovascular” diseases.
When we talk about happiness indices, and especially about such concepts as “Ukrainians” or “Russians,” we are dealing with considerable uncertainty. Let us try to clarify and reduce it. Of course, happiness cannot be measured. Only a personal assessment can exist—whether a person is happy or not according to their own opinion. Likewise, it is unlikely that one can precisely define what happiness is. One can only assert that happiness is a feeling of harmony with the surrounding world, a feeling that “everything is going as it should.”
Here we come to a very important point: all people apparently share something called “human nature.” And our knowledge of this nature suggests that it is somehow difficult to imagine, say, a happy villain. A triumphant, gloating villain is easy to imagine. But a happy one—somehow it doesn’t work out. This is because “human nature” includes feelings that in philosophical language are called “good” and “evil.” Villains know perfectly well that they are villains, and therefore they are deprived of the pleasure of being happy.
Now let us turn to our “Ukrainians” and other nations. Why do people united in some community feel happier in some cases than in others? The answer, apparently, lies in what this very community produces, what it gives or imposes on the people who compose it.
And here other research conducted earlier across Europe (European Social Survey) will help us, which investigated “the values of different peoples”—that is, the very product of this very society that it imposes on its members. So, the leading values for Ukrainians are power over other people, material prosperity, and personal safety. “Enjoyment of life,” which was also featured in the survey, was placed by Ukrainians somewhere near the bottom of the ranking of their values.
“Societal values” exist because following them greatly facilitates life. These are behavioral patterns that suggest to us how to act in a given situation. When a person follows the values of their society, it is easier for them to “go through life,” and they will achieve more… within the framework of these values.
So, the question is: whom do we see in the picture of Ukrainian society’s values? Correct me if I am wrong, but it is practically a finished scoundrel—he values power, money, and wants to suffer no harm because of it. In fact, our ruling elite, so unloved by the rest of the people, is the ideal embodiment of their values. And that is precisely why it is the most genuine elite there is—it is better at doing what others consider important and valuable.
And here is what we get in the final analysis. Acting against the rules of society is difficult. It is hard to be happy when everyone considers you a town lunatic. Acting according to the rules is easier, but these rules do not bring happiness, as they contradict human nature. Hence the chronic national unhappiness.
Interestingly, the French are not very prone to cardiovascular diseases. Doctors explain this by their habit of drinking dry wine. It seems to me, however, that the whole point is that “enjoyment of life” was in first place in French values—that which was in last place for us.