That individual unhappiness is at unprecedented levels would probably surprise no one anymore. Combine the state of the world—rising crime rates, political fights, and a squelching of freedoms—with the increased atomization of everyone, and it’s difficult for even the most happy-go-lucky among us to keep a smile on.
But there is hope, as a recent CBS “Sunday Morning” segment addressing this issue of mass unhappiness explains. Citing a long-running Harvard study, CBS notes that the happiest individuals in life are those who have solid relationships and friendships. Such friendships give individuals a sense of meaning and purpose, a feeling of belonging, and a structure of support.
