In worldly matters, such as taxation, economic matters, or foreign policy, people are the sovereign. They decide in a democratic system. Abolished religious institutions and values, and replaced them with secular values. Basic microeconomic analysis, Tibor Scitovsky, Richard Easterlin, and Ronald Inglehart give different answers to these questions. As economies grow, so do people s aspirations.
People compare their own living conditions to an ever-rising living standards.
Therefore, they do not become happier as their material conditions improve. Habit formation and comfort-seeking. They want another car, want to watch more tv, take the elevator instead of taking the stairs. They focus on comfort rather than pleasure. Boredom and lack of pleasure result.