Improving the lot of just one person, as long as it is not at the expense of another person, increases the world happiness index. Improving the lot of millions of people can result in a huge leap forward for mankind.
The authors consider all things to be possible with reasoned and rational action. Other philosophical underpinnings include thinking long term and identifying win-wins. Wealth is not considered necessary for happiness, but used wisely it can help increase happiness.
There is not a fixed amount of happiness in the world such that any increase for one person must be at the expense of another. Rather, there is no limit to the amount of happiness that can be generated, and all people can continually increase their happiness.
The term "happiness" is used as a simple replacement for longer, more descriptive phrases such as "subjective well-being" or quality of life. Different people will find different things or concepts more important. Each person should substitute whatever combination of terms is most meaningful to them. Some examples include; pleasure, contentment, well-being, happiness, serenity, relaxation (or freedom from stress), satisfaction, comfort, tranquility, peacefulness.
An infinite number of things may affect a person's "happiness" or quality of life. Examples include; health, family, friends, community, exercise, opportunities for human interaction, intimacy, food availability, housing (shelter), environment (views, sound, air quality, air temperature, water quality, calm, sunlight, etc.), employment, safety, financial security, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, religion, opportunities to help others, hobbies, opportunities and abilities for artistic expression, education, access to knowledge, privacy, availability of assistance when needed, acknowledgement of one's worth and contribution, availability of transportation, freedom from coercion and bullying, freedom from fear, freedom from stress, opportunities for personal growth, personal property security, etc.
In striving to maximize the world happiness index it seems important to remember that an item desired by one person as having a positive impact on their quality of life might not be of interest to others. Ideally, each person can attain the conditions most advantageous to them. One size does not fit all.
