Nigeria is the World's Happiest Nation

admin · Nigeria is the World's Happiest Nation

Nigeria is the World's Happiest Nation

1st Oct. 2003

London - It's difficult to quantify and differs between cultures, professions and religions but people in Latin America, Western Europe and North America are happier than their counterparts in Eastern Europe and Russia.

An analysis of levels of happiness in more than 65 countries by the World Values Survey shows Nigeria has the highest percentage of happy people followed by Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador and Puerto Rico, while Russia, Armenia and Romania have the fewest. "New Zealand ranked 15 for overall satisfaction, the US 16th, Australia 20th and Britain 24th - though Australia beats the other three for day-to-day happiness," New Scientist magazine, which published the results, said on Wednesday.

But the weekly magazine said that factors that make people happy vary. Personal success, self-expression, pride, and a high sense of self-esteem are important in the United States. 'The desire for material goods is a happiness suppressant.' "In Japan, on the other hand, it comes from fulfilling the expectations of your family, meeting your social responsibilities, self-discipline, cooperation and friendliness," according to the magazine.

The survey is a worldwide investigation of sociocultural and political change conducted about every four years by an international network of social scientists. It includes questions about how happy people are and how satisfied they are with their lives. It showed that average happiness has remained virtually the same in industrialised countries since World War Two, although incomes have risen. The exception is Denmark, where people have become more satisfied with life over the last three decades.

Researchers believe the unchanging trend is linked to consumerism. "Survey after survey has shown that the desire for material goods, which has increased hand in hand with average income, is a happiness suppressant," the magazine added.

admin · Yes, Nigerians are Happier People

It is obvious that some people (such as the person I responded to below) are very opinionated and cannot understand the wisdom inherent in the survey. Such are so concerned about discussing the plight of Nigerians, that they totally missed the point of the survey.

The inability to focus on the issue has led many to ramble aimlessly, or as can also be said, 'miss the point'. and this is how many people have failed comprehension exams.

I say "If Nigerians consider themselves happy people, and the survey justly agrees with their freedom to express their impressions of what they think they are, who on the face of this earth, then gives anyone the authority to say otherwise or to deny their stated opinion of themselves?"
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Yes, Nigerians are Happier People

[My response to some ignorantly sad, rude and opinionated chap.]

I beg to differ with your comments and conclusion that 'Nigerians are dumb to consider themselves happy, despite the inconveniences they encounter daily'. It is very presumptuous of you, to begin with to label a whole nation and its citizens dumb, just because you do not agree with the opinion or conclusion from a world wide poll. The poll was not to measure people's level of suffering or their reaction to it; nor was it a measure of whether people considered themselves deserving of some of based experiences life has thrust upon them, nor their acceptance of it, neither was it a measure of whether they were satisfied with the level or constancy of provision of some of life's conveniences, which also in itself is a relative subject.

I for one find sincere happiness during every one of my visits to Nigeria, despite the unreliable conveniences of life. My happiness comes from the value of my time with those I spend time with. With a people of a nation that can have and enjoy life irrespective of the conveniences that they have either gotten or not gotten accustomed to, I find true happiness. With a nation of people that do not consider me less human because of the colour of my skin, my language, accent, I find happiness. With a nation that can rally around it's own people and have true and meaningful interactions and relationships, I find happiness. With a nation that says so what NEPA is unreliable in their provision of electricity, but we can adapt, go on with life and not let it affect our lifes or interactions with our fellow beings, I find happiness. Like you said how many Americans can tolerate the absence of electricity for 1 hour without wanting to or actually shooting someone?

How many Nigerians will go out and shoot a fellow human being because they've been deprived of cell phone services, electricity for 1 hour, have lost their jobs, have lost money in the stock market etc.? We all know it's highly unlikely because we place a higher value on life. Knowing the value of life, and not just counting material wealth or conveniences whose interruptions 'some' feel should trigger life altering decisions, is what contributes to happiness. Being content at whatever state you're in, is what brings happiness. Electricity or no electricity, cell phone or no cell phone, if one does NOT feel their whole life or value of their life depends on these conveniences, why should they then alter one's state of happiness?

Per your view, will you then conclude that people of ages past and people who live in areas where the conveniences that you have mentioned have never been available, were or are unhappy because they lack those conveniences? Before there was electricity, phones, etc., where people not happy? Happiness is an intrinsic value neither derived nor measured by material wealth or the ability to obtain material wealth. No one pursuing happiness has ever caught up with it. Happiness comes from an inner peace and contentment regardless of one's material or economic status. There are people who have never been exposed to some of the frivolities of life by which you seem to measure your rank of happiness (e.g. cell phones), let alone miss them.

The survey basically concluded the wisdom within it, "which is that happiness is neither determined by wealth, it's accumulation, nor the pursuit of it". There are a lot of westernized beings (including Nigerians who have been sold the 'pursuit of happiness' crap, that have come to realize that 'no matter how much money you make, no matter how much wealth you accumulate, no matter your job status or influence, it does not necessarily make you happy or happier'. Instead a lot of people are stressed from the demands intrinsic in the pursuit of wealth.

Have you ever wondered why some people suddenly quit their mega-dollar jobs and settle on the farm, some quiet remote area, or switch to jobs that gives them the opportunity to help others on a basic level as opposed to their previous demanding lifeless mega-dollar making careers, which now accords them more time to spend with their families? When a man is wise enough to realize that what brings happiness to his family and ultimately himself is: not how big his house his, not the amount of expensive cars parked outside his house, not the amount of extracurricular activities he, his wife and children have been signed up for, in order to exhibit their social status; but that coming home to his family and actually spending quality time with them, getting to know them, rather than them being strangers, whom he just works darn hard to provide the luxuries for; then he truly finds happiness, knowing he can put sincere smiles and appreciation on his family's faces.

Maybe those who have realized the wisdom of attaining happiness are the ones who have come to realize that sometimes these so-called conveniences and the pursuit of them, actually end up being major distractions that preclude them from attaining the happiness they thought they were pursuing.

Take the classic example of cell phones with which you deemed Nigerians 'dumb'. How many people have realized that this so called convenience has become a major source of distractions in their life? When you can no longer have quiet time, since your life is being intruded on regardless of where you are. Yes, you have the option of turning it off, but how many really exercise the power to do so for fear they might be missing out on something. Also, it can be a major convenience to those in your surrounding vicinities who are uninterested in listening to your conversations, those trying to have quiet dinners, etc, who are intruded on daily, not to talk of those whose safeties are challenged because of those who cannot discipline themselves to know when enough is enough. The era of pagers, another one time convenience was what some employees eventually found intrusive as their employers tracked them down, (after all they were on salary), without concern that those employees might value their non-working hours. One of the prices that is paid for the pursuit of money, an intrusion in reality, but a convenience none the same.

If the so-called conveniences of life are so perfect in providing happiness, why are so many people in westernized societies depressed, agitated and mostly impatient, with constant needs and demands for external stimuli ranging from preoccupations with electronic gadgets, frivolities of life or activities which other societies would consider deviant? Why are so many homes broken, after all the breadwinners are simply trying to pursue what they think would provide happiness? Why are so many children strangers to their parents, who in the pursuit of happiness have no time to spend with them, and have them raised by baby sitters, expect their teachers to raise them rather than educate them, and them wonder why some of them turn out to be deviant, geeks, unsociable, withdrawn, depressed, suicidal, on drugs, alcoholic, getting pregnant as teenagers in their quest for attention, or just simply bizarre?

The amounts of time spent trying to fix these problems is usually much more than what could have been spent being 'willing and available' parents and not just PROVIDERS for these children. Have you ever considered that, that may be why people seek retirements in remote areas, quit demanding high-powered careers and jobs, go on peace corps, wilderness experiences, have family reunions and look for any way to recapture the happiness they once may have had, before they actually began to pursue it?

Yes, it takes money to pursue some of these activities, but we're not talking about the availability of money, but the pursuit of material accumulations and conveniences for which you consider Nigerians dumb. The amount of money each person considers 'sufficient' is relative and does not measure happiness either. There are villagers in situations you may consider abject poverty by your standards that are truly happy irrespective of whether they have bank accounts or not.

So, as strange as it may seem that Nigerians consider themselves happy irrespective of the inconsistent provision and availability of electricity, cell phones etc., they are indeed happier than most rich and affluent westerners that do not have time for the basic socialities of life. You can walk down a Nigerian street and extend greetings to 20 people and most likely they would all answer you. Try doing the same thing on the soil of America, or some other westernized nation, and if you're lucky to get one response, it just might be from a fellow black man.

Living a life where you believe you have to continue to accumulate material possessions, live mostly just to pay your bills; live in homes for which you're are forever indebted, if you don't die before your mortgage payments are complete; driving cars for which you're indebted every 5 years; living a life of deception that is actually based on your credit card bills; to me is not happiness, if you do not know or communicate with your neighbours, cannot truly say how you feel, and just automatically say 'fine' when asked 'how are you?', because you know no one really cares to know; or you spend more time watching TV or on the computer than in real life interactions; where you have jobs you hate but do just for the buck; etc.

Have you wondered why Nigerians who have their own businesses, whether it be selling groundnuts or paint, etc. seem happier than some of their relatives who live abroad, are forever stressed, forever in a hurry, forever indebted and cannot relax? They may make what you consider little or nothing, but they would not sacrifice the time they are able to spend with their 'not so rich' family members, without cell phones and electricity, because of the intrinsic value and happiness they attain from being and spending time with their families, friends and loved ones.

Maybe that is why those who at all costs try to pursue the western trappings have been dropping dead from the stresses of it, in their mid 30s and early 40s. You should ask psychologists and psychiatrists, or even doctors who see people who range from slightly depressed to working time bombs, as to why so many people despite all their wealth and social status are UNHAPPY. Doctors see a lot of patients with psychosomatic ailments which are a result of stress, and the health industry is making huge profits as a result.

Maybe one of the reasons some people can never find happiness or assume happiness is linked only to conveniences and accumulation of money (which does not automatically translate into having wealth, as there are a lot of people who are wealthy without having exorbitant money, but that is another topic) is because they can NEVER find happiness in the simplicities of life.

The poll realized that happiness is intrinsic and NOT based on external factors, and that should be welcome news for most people, as well as an eye opener for those who thought otherwise, so they could begin enjoying life at whatever state they are in, and regardless of your circumstances, instead of pursuing that which cannot be caught.

I for one jumped for joy when I received the news on TV 2 days ago, because I know I find happiness in Nigeria and I'm aware there are many who also do, and it was a joy to hear that the world is realizing that money or conveniences do NOT equal or translate into happiness. I also felt warmed by those who chose to share the good news with me, by sending me the articles from various sources stating the same.

I'm very well aware though, that some people no matter what good comes out of Nigeria can NEVER accept or rejoice in it, because their eyes and mind have been trained to look only for the bad news, with which they can again have tales of woe to spread around. Maybe it comes from being exposed to hours of listening to disheartening tales being televised as news, by competing news stations who strive for the most gruesome stories to sell air time and gain ratings. I would recommend that you read an older piece I wrote on Nigeria titled "MY choice" it just might be an eye opener. In fact I should forward it for your perusal.

Mr Cornelius, I do not know you, but since you chose to include me as a recipient of your bewildering conclusion, I could not but give you my response, which I hope would be accepted as a discussionary exchange, as we can only live and learn when we realize we're not living in a vacuum, and that life can indeed be measured in so many ways, and that some of the beliefs that most have been sold and led to believe, are sometimes 'not indeed factual, realizable or beneficial'.

Cxsm
3rd Oct. '03

Referenced article "My Choice" http://naijapositive.myfastforum.org/about70.html

admin

[2nd Response to the ignorantly rude chap whose rantings I choose not to dignify by posting here. He called the survey Dumb and maligned fellow Nigerians simply because his delusional mind did not agree with the FACTS and therefore could not accept the TRUTH.]

Dear Cornelius,
It is obvious you are very opinionated and cannot understand the wisdom inherent in the survey. You are so concerned about discussing the plight of Nigerians, that you have totally missed the point of the survey. Are you now saying that you know better and are the mouthpiece ofALL NIGERIANS? If Nigerians consider themselves happy people, and the survey justly agrees with their freedom to express their impressions of what they think they are, who on the face of this earth, then gives YOU the authority to say otherwise or to deny their stated opinion of themselves? This is how many people have failed comprehension exams. The inability to focus on the issue has led many to ramble aimlessly, or as can also be said, 'miss the point'.

To correct the first error, I never stated that I was quoting you, so I could NOT have misquoted you. What I said is that "I beg to differ with your comments and conclusion that 'Nigerians are dumb to consider themselves happy, despite the inconveniences they encounter daily'.

To answer your questions and comments: My responses to GSM and electricity were mainly to the examples were cited. I returned to where I'm presently (not permanently) resident because I currently have obligations and responsibilities here. What business of yours is it what name I choose to write under. Your focus should be on the issues, aimless sidetracking cannot detract from the facts.

]I have visited the streets of Lagos and seen the situations which you have described, but have also gotten not very pleasant and disheartening views of streets and ghettos in London, Italy, Paris, Singapore, Malaysia and yes the U.S.A - Brooklyn, Bronx, D.C., Houston, Boston, Compton, So. Central L.A., Chicago, etc., as well as those in Antigua, Dominica, Jamaica, etc. to mention a few of the so many cities that all have their share. Seeing a city as a whole and not just in bits and pieces is what brings understanding of the make up of what the whole city is, not just sitting and Bel Air and believing that the ghetto doesn't exist. Failing to see any good in any situation, because one has been blinded by the negativity in any chosen situation is very dangerous.

The same way Nigerians existing under the conditions which they presently have to wonder about life, but live their lives all the same, is the same way the people who live in all the other foreign nations of the world learn to cope with their circumstances, the best way they can. Not everyone responds with hopelessness because of their circumstances. Unless you live in a vacuum wherever you reside, you should know that the U.S. cut services for most of it's mentally challenged in the late 80s and early 90s and a good no. of those wandering the streets as homeless and lunatics are soaring daily. Ask a social worker or the police who sometimes have to curtail them if you need confirmation.

Contrary to you, I grew up happy in Nigeria when "Black men" ran things and regardless of Nigeria's present circumstances, I am still a happy person, in and out of Nigeria. I've never believed in the 'white man' as my savior and provider and do not care that they may no longer be around to oversee anything in Nigeria. After all evidences show they have their own challenges running their own nations.
Intrusion, the 'I know all', and 'I know what's good for you better than you do' attitude, is the reason the U.S. is presently still in Iraq loosing it's citizens everyday. Their blindness and opinionated attitude caused them to act in arrogance and they failed to listen to 'reason' which was evident to the rest of the world and voiced by the U.N. resulting in what we are all witnessing today. America and lots of countries have water that is unsafe to consume and they too have to buy bottled and processed water, so what makes Nigeria unique?

Correction, fortunately, I come from a family that is content, believe in the 'work ethic', morally sound and live according to their means, so I've personally never had to run to any facilities in order to send funds to any family members.
You are really a presumptuous and opinionated person to assume that the reason the Nigerians who choose to help their families out financially by sending funds to them are doing so, to deter them from participating in crime. It is obvious that it is pointless having a reasonable exchange with someone who is too opinionated to see any point of view contrary to theirs, let alone expect them to learn anything from discussions EVEN they may benefit from, so I do NOT see the point in continuing this exchange.

Since I have no proof, but to take your word for what it's worth, in response to your statement that 'you are not the author of the Dumb survey piece', my response is simply that: You could simply have stated that the piece was not written by you, nor endorsed by you. That is the reason why most people send forwards with the authors name evident, or at least make it evident where the pieces are not signed, that the 'author is unknown'. I have done this many a times to prevent misdirected replies, but you failed to do this when you as a stranger sent me an article that showed no evidence of it's not being written by you.
I retract this last paragraph, because I have just read over the initial write-up and it was indeed signed by YOU. Why be too scared to own up to your scriptings, didn't you think you'd get a response when you chose to express your beliefs on a public forum? No wonder you were quick to respond and the thinking was just too coincidental. Signing someone else's article on the other hand is PLAGIARISM. At this point it makes no difference, since your responses to mine seem to concur with the opinionated statements of the real author, whoever that may be.

Adios.

admin · Re: Nigeria is the World's Happiest Nation

Re: Nigeria is the World's Happiest Nation

It brings joy to my heart (or should I say happiness), that another happy person has stood up to defend the happy state of Nigerians.

Very well written. I'll comment more later as I'm in a hurry to step out, but for those who can't ever seem to connect to that state of euphoria that results from contentment at whatever, or at least most stages of their lives, please migrate to where you can continue to exhume your toxic unhappiness and unending complaints and dissatisfaction with Nigeria, and we that choose to be happy will continue to rejoice in the fact that despite Nigeria's shortcomings we are, and will continue to be a resilient and happy people.

Cxsm
14th Nov.'03

admin

I saw this amongst some mail previously saved and though it's a year old, it addresses the same issue.

--- In nigeriantalk@y..., "gchidinma" <gchidinma@y...> wrote:

Everything We (NIGERIA) Need To Be Happy Is Inside Of Us.

Nothing can bring peace but us.

When we go through each day expecting what is happening outside of ourselves to make us happy, we are setting ourselves up for failure. We are setting ourselves up for misery. We make ourselves a victim of circumstances we cannot control and become dependent upon others for our own state of joy and contentment. This is exactly what is happening to us in Nigeria.

Life happens from the inside out. If we are happy, it is because of
what is going on inside of us. If we are sad, it is because of what
is going on inside of us. Our world is all happening inside of us. So we are the cause of our problem in Nigeria.

We are the person with the most power to affect our life. We are the one who decides to be happy or unhappy about what we are
experiencing.

Nothing can make us happy without our permission. Nothing can make us unhappy without our permission. We are the one holding ourselves to grow or for a change.

No one else ever robs us of our happiness, our ecstasy. We rob ourselves by making our ecstasy dependent upon others or other countries.

The only thing wrong with us is that we don't understand that there is nothing wrong with us, that there is nothing essential missing.

We can't prevent the flood but we can learn to build an ark.

The foolish person seeks happiness in the distance; the wise person grows it under his feet. So we Nigerians need to be wise, if possible wiser than Solomon.

From me'
Divine
(2002)

admin · H.A.P.P.I.N.E.S.S (Our Secret)

H.A.P.P.I.N.E.S.S (Our Secret)

As Nigerians, we are in close contact with nature and as such have access to the secret of happiness. People from other nations have these access but overlook it. For those of you who may have forgotten, here is a quick reminder.

The Only thing that hinders happiness is worry!
People Worry about Problems.!

As Nigerians, we know there are only two types of problems.
There are those problems you can do something about. If you indeed can do something about it, why worry?

One the other hand, There are those other problems that you can not do anything about. If you can not do anything about it, why worry?

See! This is why we are the happiest people in the world!

Waka-waka
11/18/03

admin · 5 Simple Rules to be Happy

5 Simple Rules to be Happy

1) Free your mind from hatred.
2) Free your mind from worries.
3) Live simply.
4) Give more.
5) Demand less, expect miracles in life.

No one can go back and make a brand new start.
Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain;
but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps.
They slow you down a bit, but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.
Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want,
just sit tight and be happy,
because God has thought of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad,
consider what it means.

There's a purpose to life's events,
to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

(Author unknown)

admin

CXSM,

It would seem you are forgetting the fact that you are in Yankee. Please, we msut resist the urge to use the word "free". It has a totally different meaning here. Example

Free Television for calling this number, no obligations.
Free cell phone, just buy the account and pay monthly until you die!

Waka-waka
12/23/03