In happiness surveys people are often asked to evaluate their lives according to the Cantril ladder. The relevant question, as asked in Gallup’s World Poll, is as follows:
“Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time?”
I have not been able to find research that directly relates to the question of how perceptions of the best possible life differ between countries and change over time. Perhaps I haven’t looked hard enough, or in the right places. If any readers can steer me in the direction of relevant research I would be most grateful.
Some readers might be interested in an article I have just posted on my blog discussing some relevant information that I have been able to find. See:
http://wintonbates.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/can-best-possible-life-get-much-better.html
Dear Winotn
I can not define where do I stand right now. But that does not mean that I am not a satisfied or happy man. I, for one, am!
However, I would like to add one thing i.e. when one has reached a level 10 in her material achievements she still has definitely achievable scope of rise in the quality of life by trying and searching into the self and the relation of the self with the world around. Is there any need for the sun to become more brighter! And being at 10 does not matter for the sun.
We should always aim up higher. As long as it doesn't hurt others, there is always a better aim, in our long path in search of the best !
Greetings,
M.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Psychology
- Emotional Psychology
- Happiness