(I) Two economists have systematically analyzed surveys over nearly a 30-year period that ask individuals to describe themselves as “happy, pretty happy or not too happy”. (II) Most people would prefer to live in a country with a high standard of living and few would want to experience poverty up close. (III) The results of their work are provocative. (IV) Over the last 30 years, reported levels of happiness have actually declined in the United States and remained relatively flat in the United Kingdom, despite very large increases in per capita income in both countries. (V) Could it be the increased stress of everyday life that has taken its toll on our happiness, despite the increase in income?