We had a busy day today. What makes us so competitive in this world? I hope happiness is the ultimate goal of life, but in a reality it is not. Many people live without knowing what it means to be happy.

But happiness can be expressed in a numerical value. It is called a "Happiness index." It measures the happiness of humans. The UN advisory body, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, annually surveys and presents the rankings of people's happiness around the world. A new global happiness report was released in 2018. The score is not only based on economic value such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also various standards such as satisfaction with life, expectations about the future, unemployment, self-esteem, hope, and love.

As a result, Finland is the happiest country in the world. Norway and Denmark used to be the happiest. However, Korea ranked 57th. Korea has a higher economic scale and Gross National Income than those of the top countries. The results seem contradictory. In short, people are not satisfied with the abundance of resources that can improve the quality of life.

In addition, Korea is ranked the highest suicide rate. According to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) health statistics for 2018, Korea's suicide rate is the highest among its member countries. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a new committee exclusively for suicide prevention, led directly by the prime minister. A revised bill of the suicide prevention law passed the National Assembly plenary session. It contains the establishment of an information link system between the National Police Agency and the suicide prevention center, and support groups such as one for families affected by suicide. The government's efforts are attempting to reduce the suicide rate over six years. Nevertheless, the high suicide rate has not changed.

What are reasons this happening in Korea? Let's look at a few. First, young people are always chasing after something and taking the right path in Korea. They are busy taking courses that have been established in their life such as studying, getting a job, and getting married. It is difficult to be interested in the abstract and idealistic concept of happiness in the age of limitless competition. Some say that it is hard to live day to day in Korea. Also, we face rising youth unemployment problems and stagnant economic conditions. This creates economic burdens and uncertainties in the future within a household. These factors cause social instability.

There are some ways to be closer to happiness. First, is to make meditation a habit. Meditation means a deeper thinking. You stay off your smart phone and electronic devices so you aren’t tied down. And you focus on yourself. It makes your mind comfortable to arrange your ideas. This time to rest is essential for running toward a goal. Second, find a hobby. People are happy the moment that they do something that they love. You should try to find the things that you want. It brings you so much energy in an exhausted life. The way to be happy is never too far away from you.

Park Seon-gyeong, reporter  asdf9382@naver.com

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