Thukten Zangpo

During the Bhutan Echoes: Drukyul’s Literature and Arts Festival 2024, Professor Micael Dahlén explored the intricate relationship between economy, consumerism, and wellbeing. In a conversation with Loden Foundation’s President, Sangay Tshering, he discussed how these elements interplay and impact society.

Micael Dahlén, a Swedish author, public speaker, and Professor of wellbeing, welfare, and happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics, is renowned for his research on marketing, creativity, and consumer behavior. His work has been widely recognised, with publications in four books and numerous journal articles. The Journal of Advertising ranked him as the 10th most influential researcher in the field of advertising globally.

When asked about the scarcity of literature on Bhutan’s unique approach to happiness, despite extensive global research on the subject, Dahlén expressed his fascination with the nation. He described Bhutan as a ‘beautiful mystery’ that prioritises happiness over GDP, a perspective he finds intriguing and valuable.

While many countries have achieved economic success, Micael Dahlén said that they often struggle with issues of wellbeing. He highlighted the paradox of wealth and happiness, suggesting that beyond a certain income level, the correlation between money and happiness diminishes.

Citing an example, Micael Dahlén said that Sweden, a high-income country and the fourth happiest country in the world, was grappling with loneliness and isolation amidst Covid-19 pandemic because most Swedish people choose to live independently.

He said that he constantly asks himself: “why are we pursuing more economic growth? Why are we so anxious to get the economy going? Why do people chase money?”

The discussion also touched on the World Happiness Report.

The happiness report, he said, is one way to gauge happiness but it is not the way to gauge happiness.

He said that the report provides credence to the pursuit of happiness and wellbeing, encouraging a broader discussion on sustainable economic and political endeavors that benefit everyone.

Micael Dahlén explained that the happiness report measures wellbeing by imagining a ladder, where life is perfect at the top and worst at the bottom. This metaphor underscores the importance of creating opportunities and prerequisites for individuals to pursue happiness and live well.

He also emphasised on the importance of collective effort in creating a happier society.

“Happiness and well-being are something we make together,” he said. “It’s about togetherness, we pursue and achieve together where trust is fundamental in institutions, in communities and social circles. We are dependent on each other.”