National Happiness

Last night, over dinner, my sister told me that there is a new economic model being lobbied for on the global scene. The Gross National Happiness Index. It seems wise folks have come to realise that chasing the almighty dollar has not resulted in people living better, more quality lives. And the first country to adopt it as their central development philosophy : Bhutan.

Judging from the number of those I have encountered of late who dream of retiring early into a life of less commerce and more soulful endeavours, I am not surprised at this new turn in global economics. In my course of work, I meet a lot of people. Working professionals who range the capability spectrum from dodo to genius. People who are chronic job hoppers and those who still believe in cradle-to-grave employment. Those who have made it and those who will never.

The most consistent thread I find running through those under 40 is that almost everyone expresses a desire to quit the salaried position. And it ain't like these folks are aspiring toward entrepreneurial greatness either. Everyone wants to become a consultant of some sorts. Read: work two to three days a week and be there for my son's taekwondo belt exams. And these are the men talking.

Someone else told me that according to our census data, close to 80% of our population is aged 40 and under. Translated, this means our nation's near future definitively lies in the decisions to be taken by the generations transitioning into government and power. Not those who are already there. Although this sounds like a logical given, it's more than that.

Today, urban Malaysia is suffering the teething problems of a newly developed economy. Thirty-somethings brought up with the post-colonial deferential beliefs of their parents are being confronted with a very different adult reality.

Men are like kids in a candy store. They are discovering that their peers don't expect them to remain with one woman for the rest of their lives. And women are discovering they don't need to depend on men for their livelihoods. Even those who have made a career out of making marriage a source of income realise it is disposable. And replaceable by another. Just like any other job.

The upshot is that children in their formative years today will face similar family dynamics as their Western peers. They miss their parents every day, they get used to the maids as companions, the office is a bad word and meetings are occasions that run into the wee hours of the evening.

As they grow up they will discover that their parents were not monogamous, and that meetings are also another word for describing social encounters.

Imagine what their Gross National Happiness Index will consist of when they come of age.

Personally, I look forward to seeing our young 'uns mature. To some extent, I've concluded that our current generation will probably not add up to snuff in the larger scheme of things. It's the curse of being the transitional segment, the in-between who bridge the post-colonials and the New Malaysia.

It's our children who will define us. So care for them well. Because unlike other times and old adages, this new generation growing up needs more than lip service to help them define what this nation will ultimately stand for.

As for me, if things don't work out I might just check out Bhutan.