Great Expectations

by Songül Arslan

Politicians' expectations always seem greater or more idealistic than what their countries' citzens think is possible or necessary. Some of the more widely publicized expectations are related to the Gross Domestic Product, abbreviated "GDP." GDP forecasts are expected to be met with happiness, but citzens generally react with doubt, thinking that a hopeful prediction is no more than the zillionth promise that will go unmet. Many believe that politicians care only about filling their own pockets and care little about what they pledge to their people. Often the citizenry becomes more and more indifferent, not caring any longer about the GDP, about the pocket-fillers, or about much of anything regarding politics. Without realizing it, these citzens have set their expectations and therefore their happiness far below what could be achieved.

In contrast to this all-too-common scenario, there is a country secluded in the Himalayas that has truly great expectations, expectations that reflect ideals of happiness. The expectations of this citizenry are not formulated in GDP, but in Gross National Happiness. The Kingdom of Bhutan places a high value on its unique customs and traditions, which are founded in the Buddhist way of life. It is thought that the best way to preserve these customs and traditions is by emphasizing that money is not the only factor that contributes to happiness.

Bhutan's idea of Gross National Happiness is based on on four pillars: economic self-reliance, a pristine environment, the preservation and the promotion of culture, and good governance in the form of a democracy. This approach to domestic policy is unique. Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure its well-being according to Gross National Happiness, an official policy advocated by the King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck. King Wangchuck recognizes that happiness is related to both the material and the spiritual aspects of life, and he does not agree with the idea that economic growth has a direct relationship with human happiness. This is vastly different from western, developed societies, where policies focus on the GDP and policymakers assume that as the GDP rises, so rises the happiness of a nation's people.

Bhutan treasures and respects the natural environment, seen, in accrodance with Buddhist beliefs, as the home of gods, immortals, and spirits. Bhutan's people strive to live in harmony with nature and with the abundant, diverse wildlife that inhabit the eastern Himalayas.

To make sure the natural and cultural environment is preserved, Bhutan had adopted a controlled tourism and development policy. Because residents complained that tourists negatively impacted the environment and the sacred lands, only three regions of the country are open to visitors.

I am well aware that Bhutan differs from the countries in the West and that what works in Bhutan might not work elsewhere, because the societal differences are not only geopolitical, but also historical, cultural, natural and economic. For starters, Bhutan has a population of roughly two million, and an almost non-existent industry. This obviously cannot be compared with an average Western, market-oriented country. Most of Bhutan's citzens are farmers who have a lifestyle much different from ours here in the West. That acknowledged, I am extremely drawn to the notion of Gross National Happiness. As an indicator, I find it much more complete than the average GDP as a measure of happiness. Fortunately, I am not the only one who thinks so.

In the words of Professor Dr. Prawase Wasi, a highly-respected thinker in Thailand: "In the future, the world will eventually switch to the Gross [Domestic] Happiness measurement because the use of Gross Domestic Product has resulted in intolerable stress and strain."

I can only hope this switch comes sooner rather than later.