Economics, Religion and Happiness: God, Mammon and the Search for Spiritual and Financial Wealth

The book "Economics, Religion, and Happiness" takes a different view on happiness by arguing that it is not always within our control but is influenced by the attitudes and actions of others. It explores the externalities created by intolerance and envy/superiority that make us unhappy and emphasizes the need to consider these factors in understanding happiness. The book is intended for students, academics, and researchers in economics, psychology, philosophy, and sociology, as well as those interested in exploring happiness-related issues in greater depth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Most books on happiness delve into answering a fundamental question: how should I live? These books often assume that the path to happiness lies entirely within our control. They suggest that happiness is a matter of following certain practices and avoiding others. However, this book takes a different perspective. It argues that happiness is not always within our grasp, but rather influenced by the attitudes and actions of others. Drawing upon Jean-Paul Sartre's famous aphorism, "hell is other people," the overarching theme of this book is that "unhappiness is other people." In the realm of economics, "other" people, through their beliefs and behaviors, create externalities, often negative, that impact our own happiness. These externalities are generated through acts of intolerance and feelings of envy or superiority.

This book expands on this theme in three specific areas: religion, money, and prejudice. It is worth noting that the existing literature on happiness, particularly in economics, does not fully account for these externalities. Instead, the focus tends to be on identifying the internal factors that contribute to personal happiness and measuring their relative strength. By contrast, this book centers its analysis on the externalities that people impose upon others.

Economics, Religion, and Happiness will appeal to students, academics, and researchers across economics, psychology, philosophy, and sociology, as well as those interested in delving deeper into issues related to happiness. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between economics, religion, and happiness, providing insights into how these factors shape our lives and well-being.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032371351