"Economic gains that bring more food, clothing, shelter, medical care and longer life can result in a substantial increase in subjective well-being for poor societies, he says.

But once a society reaches a certain threshold, further economic growth brings only minimal gains. Among the richest societies, increases in income are only weakly linked with higher levels of subjective well-being.

While economic growth helps promote happiness for some, democratization and rising social tolerance contribute even more. Democracy provides more choice, which promotes happiness. Support for gender equality and tolerance of people who are different from oneself are also strongly linked, not just because tolerant people are happier, but because living in a tolerant society enhances everyone's freedom, Inglehart says."

Happiness is a state of mind; if it came with money all wealthy people would be happiest in the world.

Isn't that true Hitch? As I have stated many times before I have plenty of things and I always thought that those things would give me happiness and they did; for awhile. There is nothing wrong with goals. I've worked hard for everything I've ever had and hard work will set you free baby, but my unlike the message that corporate America pounds into you, I have come to realize that treasures aren't material. Family is treasure. Friends are treasure. Love is treasure. Compassion is rich beyond my wildest dreams. Justice is happiness. Equality is gold. Everything else is only an empire of dirt.

I think happiness is achieved when you love and are loved in return.