It’s clear that people living in terrible conditions aren’t happy and need help. But, isn’t it awkward that those whose standard of living is very high aren’t so often much happier? Those earning thousands of dollars not always feel much better than those earning much less. And, do you think their lives are always more creative and much fuller of sense and meaning? Well, not always. Instead, many of them feel frustrated and disorganized. What’s wrong here? Doesn’t ‘having access to the material goods’ mean also ‘access to the models of the good life’ and ‘instructions to make life better’? Very many people living in the West have enough material conditions to enjoy happy and meaningful lives. They are much richer than people from undeveloped countries. Also, shouldn’t they be much grateful for what they have? They have much wider access to education. I understand education in a broader way. A life time project, not just a professional skill. Education is one of the most important sources of knowledge about how to live a good life. Do the wealthy use these sources to the full extent? Well, I’m not sure. All this is what makes me think of happiness and the good life for some time.

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Most of us live in the digital time, we like it or not. It’s difficult to imagine daily life without the Internet, virtual reality, social media. And the constant use of the devices: smart-phones, I-pods, etc. It’s a new mode of communication. It’s a new way the opportunities appear. It’s a new transmission of ideas. We have to take care of a more solid Internet connection. And to a tablet’s updated version. But there is another aspect of the same issue. A more vital aspect. Especially, when we look at this from an individual perspective. The perspective of a particular person. Her quality of life, happiness, and self-fulfilment. Philosophical topics for millennia.

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