Why Are Modern People Less Happy? — Buddhist Wisdom for True Happiness

In today’s world, material life is becoming increasingly abundant, and technological advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace. But why is our sense of happiness declining? Why are depression, suicide rates, and anxiety disorders on the rise? Wisdom Light reveals the root causes of this issue and offers Buddhist insights on how to reclaim true happiness.

📉 The Decline of Happiness in Modern Society

Between the 1960s and 2000 in the United States, average income tripled, yet:

• Divorce rates doubled.
• Teen suicide rates tripled.
• Crime rates quadrupled.
• The number of incarcerated individuals increased fivefold.
• The number of depression cases grew tenfold.

Scientific studies show that despite increasing wealth, happiness levels continue to drop. Trust among people has also significantly declined, leaving individuals feeling increasingly isolated, anxious, and trapped in endless competition and comparison.

💰 Can Material Wealth Bring Happiness?

Many people believe that money and material possessions bring happiness. But both science and Buddhism tell us that the satisfaction derived from material wealth is temporary. For example:

• Moving into a new apartment brings joy, but soon people start envying those living in luxury villas.
• Buying a new smartphone feels exciting at first, but soon we crave the next model.
• Getting a salary raise is satisfying, but if friends get a bigger raise, it leads to disappointment.

Psychological research indicates that happiness stems from "contentment," but our desires are limitless. If we continually chase greater material pleasures, happiness will eventually be replaced by anxiety and dissatisfaction.

🧠 The True Source of Happiness: Inner Experience

Buddhism teaches that happiness is an inner experience and has little to do with material wealth. Many impoverished people live happier lives than the wealthy because they have fewer desires and do not fall into the trap of endless comparison.

Scientists have discovered that individuals under extreme stress, such as executives and officials, exhibit brain damage in certain areas, proving that prolonged anxiety has negative effects on the brain. Thus, true happiness must be sought internally rather than through external material possessions.

🔎 Three Root Causes of Suffering

Buddhism identifies three key sources of modern suffering:

1️⃣ Excessive Desire

Desire can be a driving force for progress, but unchecked desire leads to stress and suffering. For example:

• Constantly envying others' houses and cars creates anxiety.
• Always striving for higher job positions and salaries but never feeling satisfied.
• Advertising fuels consumerism, trapping people in an endless cycle of shopping yet never feeling fulfilled.

Buddhism teaches that trying to fill infinite desires with finite material possessions is impossible. Only by practicing contentment can one truly experience satisfaction.

2️⃣ Extreme Selfishness

Excessive selfishness makes people unhappy. For example:

• If you get a $300 raise while others don’t, you feel happy; but if everyone gets a $600 raise, happiness diminishes.
• If you are the first in your circle to buy a luxury car, you feel a sense of achievement; but if everyone gets one, the joy disappears.

This constant comparison and competition create stress and dissatisfaction. Buddhist wisdom suggests that genuine happiness comes from sharing and helping others.

3️⃣ Excessive Attachment

Attachment is another major source of suffering. For example:

• Emotional attachment makes people overly dependent on others for their happiness.
• Attachment to wealth and success causes extreme distress when they are lost.

Buddhism teaches that everything in life is impermanent. If we learn to let go of attachments, we can reduce suffering and achieve inner freedom.

💡 How to Reclaim Happiness

Since material wealth cannot bring lasting happiness, how can we find true joy? Buddhism offers three key approaches:

• Reduce Desires: Practice contentment and avoid excessive comparison.
• Cultivate Compassion: Learn to share and help others, reducing self-centeredness.
• Let Go of Attachments: Understand that everything is impermanent and embrace change.

By applying these principles, we can cultivate a peaceful mind, free from anxiety, competition, and constant striving.

🌿 Conclusion: Happiness Comes from Within, Not from External Possessions

The suffering of modern society stems from excessive material pursuit, extreme selfishness, and attachment. If we adjust our mindset, reduce endless desires, learn to share, and let go of attachments, we can rediscover lasting happiness.

True happiness does not come from wealth or status but from a calm, content, and compassionate heart. 🌼