Richard Easterlin

Richard Easterlin is an American economist best known for the "Easterlin Paradox," which suggests that while a country's wealth can increase overall happiness, individual happiness does not necessarily improve as people become richer. Instead, happiness is influenced more by social factors, relative income, and personal expectations. His work highlights the complexities of well-being and challenges the assumption that economic growth directly translates to increased life satisfaction. Easterlin's research has significant implications for understanding public policy, quality of life, and the relationship between economics and happiness.