Quality Of Life Matters More Than Standard Of Living

Many people, and especially those who belong to what are called First World societies, are committed to improving their standard of living.

It is a priority for them. However, “you have to learn the rules of the game first and then play better than anyone else”, as Albert Einstein said .

This is why it is important to be aware of the fact that the quality of life should always be valued more than the standard of living by individuals.

If you run out of money, you want more. If you have a high income, you find that it is not enough. If you have a busy social life, you get bored at one point or another. If you are dreaming, you want something concrete, realities.

If, if, and if… what ifs, and just as many conditions to aspire permanently to a standard of living higher than that which one has.

Do you really believe that having a high standard of living will make you happier?

Do you consider that earning more money and having a certain social status will allow you to achieve the existence that you have always dreamed of?

Before responding, read the rest of this article and take note of these few considerations.

The standard of living and the quality of life: what is it?

“The World Order in the 21st Century” brings together analysts responsible for studying the human social and geographic reality of our world.

In one of their articles related to the standard of living, they define the concept and the possibility for a person to have more goods, as well as services of better quality and in greater quantity.

In other words, they directly link salary and acquisition capacity. The more you earn, the more you can consume.

For them, quality of life therefore translates into a person’s ability to bring elements to the world that promote social well-being, elements that generate happiness, calm and satisfaction both individually and collectively.

It could be a high salary, a trip at different prices, or even a conversation as simple as it is pleasant that gives rise to a few smiles.

Quality of life VS standard of living

What seems most explicit about the analysis conducted by “The World Order in the 21st Century” is an interesting comparison drawn between different areas of the world.

As part of this analysis, we compared the standard of living as well as the quality of life in different cities.

On the one hand, we find Calcutta or Dhaka, Indian cities increasingly present on the international scene in the era of globalization.

The standard of living of the inhabitants of these cities is therefore increasing exponentially every year, which impressively accelerates development.

On the other side, we have Thimphu, a few kilometers from the economic heart of India. It is the capital of Bhutan, a small country far from the turmoil generated by globalization, financial markets and other economic concerns of all kinds.

While Calcutta and Dhaka offer their inhabitants an increasingly industrial and polluted environment but also a higher standard of living, the inhabitants of Bhutan, for their part, live in a natural environment, in the middle of rivers, and work mainly in agriculture. with a salary of 1300 dollars.

Who has the best quality of life?

Who do you think has the best quality of life? A resident of Bhutan lives quietly and works in the middle of a natural valley, without too much stress. He is not looking for more, for he does not need more.

But that’s not all ; a few years ago the king of Bhutan promulgated the BNB, or Gross National Happiness.

The study of “The World Order in the 21st Century” questions psychological well-being, time management, culture, health, education, community vitality and satisfaction with government. place, among other factors.

“Do not waste your time, because it is of this material that life is made.”

-Benjamin Franklin-

Countries like Brazil, India or China, in constant and rapid development, even European nations such as Spain, Germany or France, they already developed, present worrying levels of stress.

All the great nations of the international scene, whether developed or in the process of development, offer their inhabitants, according to the studies carried out, a high standard of living or a constantly developing one. But at what cost ?

“Do not trade your health for wealth, nor your freedom for power.”

-Benjamin Franklin-

Now is the time for you to answer the original question; what do you think is more important; the standard of living, or the quality of life?

Do you think it is better to earn as much money as possible and own as much wealth as possible, or rather have quality time and be happy ?

For us, the choice is clear; we opt for quality of life. And you ?