Easterlin or Cantril: Does a Country’s Income Determine its People’s Happiness?

. Is high-income one way to achieve happiness? The first two researchers to investigate the question empirically looked at individual countries over time. One researcher found a positive relationship between income and happiness; the other did not. Subsequent researchers have found support for both views. This paper summarizes and critiques the arguments, finding that the answer may lie in genetics and spending habits. Although some people may be genetically predisposed to happiness, ignoring social comparisons and hedonic adaption may help one lead a happier life