"The World of Happiness Report" Part 2

In John Helliwell, Richard Layard, and Jeffrey Sachs report: “The World of Happiness Report" part 2 (2012), they go on to discuss how policy making should be changed if the greater goal were to be world happiness. They also go back to elaborate on the evidence from chapter one, and they also discuss the new policy priorities. They made this to elaborate on the previous chapter, and to discuss other objectives that contribute to happiness. We believe the intended audience is anyone who wants world happiness or is for it.

Reading this at first was a little confusing, but after remembering what explained to us about the world’s happiness and overall well-being as we continued to read. We were able to understand that GNP is a valuable goal, but should not be pursed to the point where economic stability is put in jeopardy and that basic living standards are essential for happiness. Also we believe this is very informative for people who want to purse world happiness or is already.

We believe the main focus of the second part report was to give a deeper analysis on what was said in the first part. Mostly about overall happiness and well-being of the world and the people who live in. Also they inform us on some new policies while giving us some information on GDP and how it is important. They state “The first lesson of happiness research is that GDP is valuable goal but that other things also matter greatly” (103). Basically there saying it’s ok to purse GDP but not to the point where economic stability is imperiled.

"The World of Happiness Report" Part 1

In John Helliwell, Richard Layard, and Jeffrey Sachs report: “The World of Happiness Report (2012) it’s a book that explains that is possible to reach a state of world happiness through the different steps listed in it. Helliwell, Layard, and Sachs inform their readers that world happiness is important for the world related to economy, environment and other issues. They made this report to encourage other countries to change their objectives and goals to world happiness. We believe the intended audience is anyone who wants world happiness or is for it.

Overall after reading the report, I agree with the idea of world happiness. To us it’s inspiring to see someone so passionate and driven about what goes on in the world and its well-being. I also believe this motivates and give hope to people who have given up on the world.

We believe the main focus of Helliwell, Layard, and Sachs report was that the overall happiness and well-being of the world and the people who live in it, affect what type of society and environment we live in. So if we maintain a safe and stable environment the increase the quality of life people have and increase their happiness, the world would be in a better place. They state “we can do this by adopting styles and technologies that improve happiness (or life satisfaction) while reducing human damage to the environment” (91). Basically there saying that we need to come up with new technology that doesn’t cause human damage to the environment we live in, but increases are happiness.

The Biology of Emotion- What It May Teach Us about Helping People to Live Longer

Sara Rimer’s case study, “The Biology of Emotion- What It May Teach Us about Helping People to Live Longer,” (2011) explores that happiness and society play a role in the game of life. Rimer claims become factual once she presents percentage rates and study results of emotional vitality experiment.  She retorts questions that ensue past investigations that in turn answering subliminally. With unhealthy people in mind, she created the passage, hoping to send a positive message to be happy J.

I could not help but be delighted at the exertion to be blithe.  Rimer understood life has its challenges that would cause unwanted moods but we are in control. We have the power to ‘turn the other cheek’, make things bright in the face of darkness. An attitude change would not only repair ones situation but lighten hefty health effects.  A happy face keeps a healthy heart pace.


"Could a sunny outlook mean fewer colds and less heart disease?" is the question that Sara Rimer based her case study off of. In my personal opinion I believe that she is accurate in her conclusion. She stated that "serious sustained stress or fear can alter biological systems in a way that, over time, adds up to "wear and tear" and, eventually, illnesses such as heart disease..." I think that when you do stress it can effect you mentally and physically. It can alter your sleep patters, put stress on your brain, and ultimately your heart. So if I was asked if I agree with Rimer's research, my answer would be yes I believe that the more mental stress, unhappiness,anger etc that you have the more you increase your chances of hurting your body.

“Black Men and Public Space”

In Brent Staples narrative essay “Black Men and Public Space” (1987) he finds himself annoyed and little bit bothered by the fearful response people give him in public. He believes that he is only getting this response because of his skin color. Brent’s purpose for writing this essay is to inform others of the racial tendencies that some people have towards black men. I believe the intended audience is anybody who stereotypes black men in a negative way.

I agree with author on the fact that black man whenever in public are met with fear from others because of stereotyping.  I think the author gave good examples of what actually happens to black men in public spaces. I also believe that the author is trying to make people who are unaware of this type situation more informed. I can appreciate the examples of precautions he gave in the passage; these can help black men be safe.  

The story starts with Staples telling us how he felt when he unintentionally scared a woman on the street. “I was surprised, embarrassed, and dismayed all at once.” (77). He came to the conclusion that women were really terrified by a menacing man at night. “That first encounter, and those that followed, signified that a vast, unnerving gulf lay between nighttime pedestrians-particularly women and me.” (78). Staples explains what influenced him not to act on violence as a child. “As a boy, I saw countless tough guys locked away: I have since buried several, too.” (79). He decided to just remain a stalker of the night and stay out of trouble. “I chose, to remain a shadow-timid, but a survivor”. (79).