GDP vs. GNH. A NEW PARADIGM

Abstract

Human being should be seen as the most important asset of economic life, and its well-being should be considered as an important indicator in having a realistic account regarding the level of prosperity and evolution of a nation. Although the concept of GNH (Gross National Happiness) has been introduced by economists like Richard Layard, and we have the example of Kingdom of Buthan where happiness is the only measurement means for quantifying the well-being of the population, governments and even economy tend to completely ignore such a parameter. We are more involved in an increasing consumeristic society, in wars, fighting for supremacy, gaining more territories, producing and spreading disease and medicines and we are less and less preoccupied by the inner being, by the human beings around us, by our fellow creatures. This paper is an attempt to prove that GNH (Gross National Happiness) should be the means of measuring the prosperity of a nation, and replace at least partially GDP (Gross Domestic Product)