SINGAPORE: It’s straightforward to imagine that success interprets to happiness, however what if it’s the other? At Bloomberg Weekend’s The Mishal Husain Present in Singapore, British journalist Mishal Husain requested former Minister for Overseas Affairs George Yeo a query from the viewers: why is Singapore, which is on the checklist of the highest 20 wealthiest international locations, additionally one of many unhappiest?
Recalling the primary prime minister Lee Kuan Yew’s reminder to them, Mr Yeo answered, “I all the time keep in mind Lee Kuan Yew reminding us: by no means promise happiness.”
“We are able to promise financial improvement, infrastructure, training, no matter. However by no means promise happiness”, he added.
When requested if he was bothered by it, he introduced up that each the Ministry of Commerce and Business (MTI) and the Ministry for Overseas Affairs (MFA), the place he had served, had “horrible work-life stability” however had “the very best morale.”
“So typically unhappiness could also be a precondition for achievement,” he mentioned.
Commenters on Bloomberg’s Instagram and TikTok brief movies that went viral however later grew to become unavailable had blended reactions, with some expressing their very own “unhappiness” in direction of the previous minister’s rationalization.
One commenter, quoted by Should Share Information, mentioned, “Happiness is actually in our nationwide pledge although.” Others, as quoted by Asia One, agreed that the federal government is as a substitute chargeable for offering “the financial and social circumstances that enable folks the luxurious of pursuing their very own happiness”.
Based on Inc.com, analysis reveals that success doesn’t essentially result in happiness, however happiness might help drive success, as optimistic moods could make folks extra assured, resilient and motivated to pursue their objectives.
So, provided that Singapore is among the world’s wealthiest—and maybe most profitable—international locations, does that imply Singaporeans are “completely satisfied” in spite of everything? /TISG
Learn additionally: No change in happiness: Singapore stands out in newest world report
