A New Economic Bill of Rights for National Happiness

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell

What’s the Latest Development?

In 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt spoke of a certain standard of living that embodied the happiness and well being of people. His goals are believed to have been on point, and in today’s society they would appropriately apply—but with some additions. The economic goals of the United States should be in favor of the happiness among citizens. It is suggested that in order to have this there needs to be a “holistic pattern of policy changes.” There are ten “tenets” proposed to have a new economic Bill of Rights to ensure an economy of happiness, liberty and life: Give us time; Improve life possibilities from birth; Build a healthy nation; Enlarge the middle class; Value natural capital; Fix taxes an subsidies; Strengthen the financial system; Build a new energy infrastructure; Strengthen community and improve mobility and improve governance. 

What’s the Big Idea?

In the end, Roosevelt did not “suggest that our goal was growth or a higher GDP. He said they were new goals of “human happiness and well-being.” And “it’s necessary to propose some first steps in an effort to rethink our economy so it can give all of us what we need in this new era.”