TAIMUN 12th Press 2014

 

    Although “happiness” can have various meanings depending on people, most people define happiness as “something you cannot purchase.” Since long ago, Bhutan has been one of the most poor and undeveloped countries in the world. However, in 2006, it was ranked the happiest country in Asia and the eighth happiest in the world.

 

   About seven hundred thousand people live in this small landlocked country between China and India. Not only is its literacy rate low, Bhutan’s GDP is also extremely low. Despite their poverty, the Bhutanese still consider themselves as the happiest people in the world. Imagine the children in Bhutan, skinny as a beanpole, always keeping mischievous smiles on their faces.

 

     Prior to 1999, Bhutan remained isolated from the rest of the world—no tourists were allowed in the country. In addition, Bhutan’s former president, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, banned television and internet in order to insulate its media from the outside world. As a result, the Bhutanese were unable to compare their living conditions to other people around the world, causing them to believe that they live in an empyrean land. However, in 1999, Wangchuck decided to develop this isolated country into a more modern one.

 

     Life in Bhutan is worth admiring. As often seen in children who are envious of other children’s new toys, it is human nature to desire things one lack. However, thanks to their ignorance, the Bhutanese don’t desire much. People in Bhutan cherish their life more than anyone else in the world. In fact, studies show that people who possess less desire and place higher priority on family and friends tend to enjoy their life more.

 

     Bill Watterson once said, “I find [that] my life is a lot easier the lower I keep my expectations.” Similarly, by setting their expectations lower, people in Bhutan have simpler and happier lives. On the other hand, people around the world tend to set their expectations higher and strive for a larger goal. Yet, they tend to become more stressed which lead to miserable lives. Therefore, we could learn from the Bhutanese to lower our expectations and aspirations.

 

     The Bhutanese lead simple lives without the influence of modern technology. In recent days, most people in the world have gradually become addicted to technology. Whenever people walk on the street, sit in the train, or wait by the bus stop, they take out their smartphones and either play games or watch videos with their ears plugged. Many believe that technology is useful for education, business and other convenient purposes. However, technology decreases our interaction level with community around us. Technology has, in fact, become one of the burdens of our world. We should endeavor to refrain from abusing technology in everyday life in order to transform into happier people like the Bhutanese!