Money Can’t Buy Happiness but Calculus Can Help

So much is written and so much is said about human happiness, from Shakespeare’s sonnets to the sweet indulgence of rich dark chocolate, we all believe we have some secret key to happiness. But wait – recent social science research really tells us that maybe we should have all paid much closer attention in our math classes instead. Application of sophisticated mathematical equations to the results of human behavioral testing, demonstrates that summation of just a few variables allows humans to reach Nirvana, according to a group of UK scientists.

So, how can we use this information? We all want to be happier and we all want relationships to be balanced, just like equations. There are a few principles in play here, so get ready to start problem solving.

X = HAPPINESS

First, earlier mathematical modeling of human behavior predicts happiness factors do not depend on how well you think you are doing, but in essence: Are you doing better than you thought you’d do. Today, I think I’m working efficiently enough to take time for this personal indulgence – neutral happiness; but, if I get this blog done and ready to post – YIPPEE. Yes sir, I’m really happy. Exceeding expectations.

Xa = (enhanced achievement)10

See how easy these equations are.

The second principle is that money and possessions are not associated with our collective happiness. But we already know that. Owning a cat isn’t happiness but curling up on the couch with a sleepy purring kitten is the height of happiness. Envy over your neighbors new car or solar panel subtracts from overall happiness. So .....

Xb = (loving what you have) – (envy)

Like envy, guilt is also associated with diminished happiness, a negative number in our equation here. As an example, the UK researchers used what they termed a “dictator game” strategy to tweak out quantifiable data on guilt and jealousy. Guilt was defined as a win over a losing partner and envy defined as disadvantageous inequality, i.e. you lose, your partner wins in a foursome. They found that the people who showed generosity to their partner under all conditions reported more happiness. This is not to say they also didn’t feel more guilt than others when they win but they didn’t feel the envy associated with the non-altruistic group. What is our missing variable here? Empathy. As humans we vary in our degree of sympathizing with others and this is a personality trait established early in life. These scientist suggest that one method to measure the empathy variable is analyzing human reactions to social inequalities, such as the reactions guilt and envy. If we mathematically state this supposition the equation becomes:

Xc = empathy x guilt/envy

This leaves just one more variable to account for mathematically, health. We frequently forget just how important feeling good contributes to our overall happiness and vice versa. A leading health and happiness researcher at the University of California-Irvine, Sarah Pressman, states this principle far better than I can in 2016 interview. "Happiness matters a great deal in your health," she said. "That's not just wishful thinking. It's science." (from Patrice Apodaca, Daily Pilot/LA Times) If happiness and health are in equilibrium:

X = H, can we find a factor to increase health and push happiness to euphoria? Yes, a recently reported study suggests that if your partner and companion are leading happy lives, your life will be easier, filled with more social support and less stressed – by definition healthier. Only you know best how to increase your partner’s sense of happiness. Do it.

Increased health (H) = increased happiness (X)

Ok we have now defined all our variables. Can we complete the equation?

X = Xa + Xb + Xc x H

X = (achievement)10 + [(loving what you have) – (envy)] + [empathy x guilt/envy] x health

There you have it. You want to increase your happiness, start with the variables and review your math.

Additional reading:

Robb B. Rutledge, Nikolina Skandali, Peter Dayan, and Raymond J. Dolan. A computational and neural model of momentary subjective well-being. PNAS, 2014 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1407535111

Robb B. Rutledge, Archy O. de Berker, Svenja Esperhahn, Peter Dayan, Raymond J. Dolan. The social contingency of momentary subjective well-being. Nature Comm 2016; 7 11825 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11825

William J. Chopik and Ed O’Brien. Happy You, Healthy Me? Having a happy partner is independently associated with better health in oneself. Health Psychology 2016 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000432

http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/opinion/tn-dpt-me-0515-patrice-apodaca-column-20160513-story.html