There is a website called the "World Database of Happiness". It combines and analyzes the results of hundreds of surveys from around the world that have been conducted on life satisfaction. Most of the findings are predictable, but a few are surprising.
The database makes it clear that there is not a strong connection between material wealth and general contentment（满足）. It is a cliché to say that money can't buy happiness, but the old saying seems to be supported by research. Many people still cling to the belief that gaining riches will be the answer to all their problems, yet they are probably mistaken.
Studies have been carried out on people who acquired sudden wealth, such as lottery winners. In most cases, after the initial joy had worn off, people were not left with a sense of lasting happiness. In fact, they tended to revert to the way they felt before they became rich. Previously contented people continue to be contented, while those who were miserable before sink back into misery.
If material wealth does not bring happiness, then what does? Perhaps happiness has something to do with where you live. The authorities at the World Database on Happiness have surveyed levels of happiness in different countries. Apparently, people in America, Canada, and Singapore are very happy; people living in India and Russia, not surprisingly, are not happy.
Other surveys consistently point to the
Nowadays people look to technology as an alternative source of satisfaction. People increasingly spend more time alone watching TV or surfing the Internet rather than spending time with family. Can technology truly make people happy? It is too difficult to tell, but one thing is sure: If the Web site's research is accurate, time spent with your family is a better investment than time spent making money.
相关单词：analyzes
analyzes解释：v.分析( analyze的第三人称单数 )；分解；解释；对…进行心理分析
analyzes例句：
This approach analyzes management by studying experience usually through cases. 这个学派通常从实例获得经验，用以分析管理。 来自辞典例句
The econometrician analyzes statistical data. 经济计量学者要分析统计材料。 来自辞典例句
相关单词：lottery
lottery解释：n.抽彩；碰运气的事，难于算计的事
lottery例句：
He won no less than ￡5000 in the lottery.他居然中了5000英镑的奖券。
They thought themselves lucky in the lottery of life.他们认为自己是变幻莫测的人生中的幸运者。
相关单词：lasting
lasting解释：adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持
lasting例句：
The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。
相关单词：revert
revert解释：v.恢复，复归，回到
revert例句：
Let us revert to the earlier part of the chapter.让我们回到本章的前面部分。
Shall we revert to the matter we talked
相关单词：previously
previously解释：adv.以前，先前（地）
previously例句：
The bicycle tyre blew out at a previously damaged point.自行车胎在以前损坏过的地方又爆开了。
Let me digress for a moment and explain what had happened previously.让我岔开一会儿，解释原先发生了什么。
相关单词：contented
contented解释：adj.满意的，安心的，知足的
contented例句：
He won't be contented until he's upset everyone in the office.不把办公室里的每个人弄得心烦意乱他就不会满足。
The people are making a good living and are contented,each in his station.人民安居乐业。
相关单词：miserable
miserable解释：adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的
miserable例句：
It was miserable of you to make fun of him.你取笑他，这是可耻的。
Her past life was miserable.她过去的生活很苦。
相关单词：misery
misery解释：n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦
misery例句：
Business depression usually causes misery among the working class.商业不景气常使工薪阶层受苦。
He has rescued me from the mire of misery.他把我从苦海里救了出来。
相关单词：apparently
apparently解释：adv.显然地；表面上，似乎
apparently例句：
An apparently blind alley leads suddenly into an open space.山穷水尽，豁然开朗。
He was apparently much surprised at the news.他对那个消息显然感到十分惊异。
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