Raising the Bar: Economics or Happiness?

Raising the Bar is back for a third round. The University of Auckland is proud to once again host this unique event in which our academics give free public lectures in pubs and bars.

Join Ross McDonald for Economics and Happiness in a Time of Rapid Climate Change.

Is money or happiness more important?

For the fourth King of Bhutan the answer was clear. In 1972 he declared that his country would pursue a goal of maximising happiness instead of economic growth, sparking an international debate.

As the King put it: ""Economics is a means to an end and can never be an end in itself.""

The idea of economics in this essentially Buddhist view is that business and money are a means to human flourishing and that in the modern world happiness and wellbeing are increasingly sacrificed in the name of economic growth.

In this thought-provoking talk Ross will speak to the growing international movement to re-frame economics and the meaning of happiness in a time of increasing ecological destruction and widespread inequity.

Registrations essential.