Systems Theory & Gross National Happiness

"If the government cannot create happiness for its people, then there is no reason for its existence."

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is an idea that originated over 400 years ago in the small kingdom of Bhutan. Rather than focusing solely on economic success, Bhutan measures the country’s progress based on the satisfaction and quality of life of its citizens, using humanistic and psychological factors. GNH encompasses aspects such as sustainable development, cultural values, environmental protection, and sound governance—all the elements that make life worth living. This approach goes beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to examine how people truly feel and the conditions that facilitate a good life.

Other countries have also recognized the potential of this concept and have developed their own methods to place the well-being of their populations at the forefront. New Zealand was one of the first countries to implement a "Wellbeing Budget," where social indicators such as mental health and social justice are considered just as important as economic performance. Iceland, Wales, and Scotland are pursuing similar approaches that prioritize the common good over mere economic growth. These nations demonstrate that it is possible to govern modern societies without losing sight of the happiness of the people. In 2011, the United Nations (UN) engaged with the concept.

The underlying idea is as simple as it is revolutionary: What value does economic success hold if people are unhappy, stressed, or burned out? Instead of blind growth, the focus is on finding a balance between the economy, the environment, and the well-being of all—leading to a more fulfilling life and a healthier society. At futur eins, we are exploring ways and concepts to bring GNH more prominently into the political discourse in Germany, utilizing the systems theory developed by Niklas Luhmann. At re:publica 2022, Alex Sängerlaub delivered an initial keynote on this topic (see the video below).