An Ideal Society with Greatest Happiness

An Ideal Society with Greatest Happiness

            Happiness was a concept that emerged during the enlightenment era. Jeremy Bentham, a philosopher, argued in his book “Introduction to Morals and Legislation” that happiness is determined by psychological experiences (Bentham, 1789). Other philosophers supporting utilitarianism argue that public policies should focus on people’s happiness. Importantly, the achievement of the greatest joy for the greatest number of people is not always desirable and realistic. Several strategies can be used to promote the greatest happiness, although it has been argued that fostering such pleasure to the whole society is unreasonable and unfeasible (Veenhoven, 2007). Happiness can best be described based on the quality of life. Although society can provide the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, not all people prioritize happiness.

Urban design and architecture can foster happiness to many people in society. Urban planners and architects should focus on designing cities that attract a huge number of people. Although the towns might be small, the building designs should be friendly to all people as careers and work impact happiness on people by helping them to pay their bills and developing a sense of purpose (Ott, 2005). Urban design is a “collaborative and multi-disciplinary process” that creates appeal to physical settings in towns such as relaxation spaces (Peters, 2017). “Shared prosperity in urban areas promotes the greatest happiness to most people through equal opportunities, infrastructures, and social amenities.” A happy society should be connected socially to allow free interaction and communication to all people.

Another equally important concept of happiness is ideologies and belief systems. “Nations that are created to celebrate ideologies and differences in cultures fosters the greatest happiness to most people (Veenhoven, 2007).” Belief systems and ideological differences fuel wars and conflicts in most countries. A society comprises people with different beliefs and ideologies; hence, it should be organized to accommodate everyone despite their religious backgrounds and cultural differences (Şimşek, 2008). We live in a society where everyone “feels that their cultural ideologies and practices” are superior to others. People in different societies should eliminate racial discrimination to improve the levels of happiness. By accepting the religions and beliefs of other people, we can promote the greatest happiness to a greater number of people.

Further, government systems and leadership help to create happiness for everyone in society. According to utilitarianism theory, behaviors promote overall “pleasure and happiness” and discourage actions that can harm the people (Bentham, 1789). However, people in most societies have little trust and confidence in the systems and leadership by their governments. Satisfaction level inequalities created by the government determines the happiness status of its citizens. The greatest happiness can be fostered through “promoting good governance” where citizens select leaders of their choice (Ott, 2005). Essentially, freedom of expression, media freedom, public participation, and freedom of association promotes happiness to a greater number of people. Systems and leadership in the government determine the level of happiness in society.

Moreover, economic policies in a country help in income generation and improvement of human welfare. Economic policies fostering the greatest happiness for most people focus on “wealth creation and income growth.” Increased consumer expenditure, provision of essential commodities, and promotion of international trade determine the well-being of people in the society (Şimşek, 2008). Interestingly, wealthy people live longer, are well educated, and enjoy better health, and it is assumed that poor people experience “little happiness.” A boost in the national income creates opportunities for improved happiness upon satisfaction of basic needs. Better economic policies create a friendly environment for the operation of businesses, which helps to foster greater happiness for many people.

Finally, physical and mental health is an important aspect that fosters the greatest happiness when building a nation. The government plays a critical role by ensuring that physical and mental well-being for its citizens is met (Şimşek, 2008). Among the strategies to create the greatest happiness for most people includes increasing mental health support. According to the World Health Organization, mental health challenges contribute to “45% of disabilities,” and this disrupts the lives of many people (Veenhoven, 2007). Also, the provision of affordable “high-quality medical care” promotes happiness to a greater number of people. Healthy and happiness are strongly related as happy people exhibit reduced suicide attempts, are less addicted to alcoholism and substance abuse, and have a high life expectancy.

In conclusion, the concept of greatest happiness argues on happiness to a greater number of people. The concept is criticized because it is unfeasible, undesirable, and impossible. Policymakers have adopted the concept to promote societal happiness by formulating and implementing policies that foster the greatest happiness. There is a need to create happiness to a greater number of people and can be attained by ensuring satisfaction through public policies that promote equality. It is important to consider government systems, economic policies, and physical and mental health, among others, when designing small countries.