What makes us happy? Prof. Frey knows Glücklichmacher.

"People themselves know how satisfied they are with their lives," says the permanent Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Basel. A few years ago, the economist began to record people's feelings of happiness with so-called happiness surveys. The people surveyed indicate on a scale of zero to ten how satisfied they are with their lives. Hundreds of thousands are taking part in the surveys – not only in Switzerland, but worldwide.

"In Canada, most people give a score of seven to eight on the happiness scale (1 – 10), " says the professor. "This is very gratifying, so people are more satisfied.“ However, the list of the happiest people would be headed by the Swiss and the Scandinavians. They indicate the highest satisfaction in the polls – in contrast to Americans, French and Italians – especially those who are expected to be particularly happy: "People have a wrong picture - as tourists, we only see the positive sides of the country," explains Frey. What goes on behind the scenes is hidden from the passing eye.

In his research, the Professor of Happiness identified four factors that contribute to happiness.

Material wealth: Income

Those who are materially better off are more satisfied with their lives. When a person is poor, he always has to think only about money. This is unpleasant. However, there is an upper limit here: the scientist recommends an income from which you can live well and carefree. Also, you should not compare yourself with the people around you – otherwise even a high income can quickly make you dissatisfied.

Having Good Personal Relationships: Social Networking

Cultivating many good and profound friendships, being happy in the family, having as many acquaintances and friends as possible to exchange ideas with them: this is sometimes the most important factor for happiness, the scientist knows. He himself used to work so much that he hardly had time or even strength for private meetings. But his research has shown him that he should change this urgently.

Health: Mental and Physical

Those who are physically or psychologically battered are less happy - that sounds logical. In fact, Frey's research has also shown that the people who are happiest complain less about health complaints. Physical health plays just as important a role as mental health.

Living conditions: Social and political conditions

The social and political conditions in which a person lives also have a great influence on whether the person becomes happy or not. Frey's research has shown that people who live in democracies are happier. Decentralized politics also makes people happy: people attach great importance to local issues being decided locally.

Having something is good – sharing it is even better!

However, the economist was particularly surprised by the following finding: "Especially for me as an economist, it was extremely surprising that giving seems to make especially happy.“ This does not mean, however, to give away his entire fortune. But those who give regularly, for example in the form of a donation, will be rewarded with joy and satisfaction. The same applies to volunteering.