Redefining Sustainable Development from the Perspective of Happiness

Abstract

The quest for happiness is, without a doubt, an ambition shared globally. In other words, it constitutes the major concern of ordinary people across the four corners of the globe. However, it is important to note that its definition has evolved over time according to very diverse criteria. Today, there is agreement that lasting happiness extends beyond material satisfaction, fitting into the broader debate of sustainable development which stipulates a balance between economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental preservation for current and future well-being. Research emphasizes the importance of these three pillars in achieving lasting happiness, with particular attention to environmental impacts that are able to compromise quality of life. Academic debates show that the well-being of a society depends on several factors that vary between income, social relationships, and environmental health, and that sustainable development offers a more inclusive framework than the simple quest for wealth. From this perspective, indicators such as the Happy Planet Index reveal that well-being and social justice must be weighed as much as economic growth in the pursuit of happiness. Moreover, the literature argues for a holistic vision of happiness, implying deep reflection on our lifestyles and the need for collective action to establish truly sustainable and balanced development. It is in this vein that this article seeks to shed lighter on a possible correlation between happiness, sustainable development and lasting happiness.

Keywords: development, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, sustainable happiness.

Classification JEL: D 01, Q 01, I 31, M 31

Paper type: Theoretical Research