How do we measure and define progress and success? In our Western world, perhaps very prosaically, we do so based on the rate of growth in gross domestic product (GDP). But in light of the blatant mental, emotional, and environmental health issues we face, it is clear that this is not a satisfactory way to measure progress. In fact, with this measure we are not even able to distinguish neutral or beneficial economic activities - those that do not harm people and the environment - from harmful activities. 20 Furthermore, although economic growth has exploded in recent decades, there are no indications that people's emotional well-being, their happiness, has grown in parallel.
Fortunately, for the past few years there has been increasing talk of the need to find new measures to guide and define progress. It all started when Bhutan opened up to foreigners in the 1970s, and he wanted to make sure that capitalism was not going to erode the kingdom's Buddhist values and principles. One of the pioneering measures that were applied from then on is that of gross inner happiness, which has been measured for decades with promising results. It is about evaluating each project incorporating questions that take into account the well-being of people and the environment as a determining factor.
What effect does a project have on us? Does it make us more or less happy? Does it allow us to spend more or less time with our loved ones? Does it contribute to our good physical and emotional health? Is it respectful with the rest of the environment? Does it take into account the needs of different generations? Today, we know much more, for sure, about what brings us closer to happiness, and we can already incorporate this knowledge into our way of living and legislating.