In America, conservatives are happier than liberals.According to the book “Gross National Happiness” by Arthur Brooks, the happiest people in America are those who can evaluate themselves on the extreme right or extreme left. “Extremists are happy, because they are certain they are right.” he said.

In a 2004 poll, those who identified themselves as “extremely liberal” say they are very happy than those who just said they were “liberal” (35% to 22%). Meanwhile, conservatives responded with a smaller gap: 48% to 43%.

But the conservatives are much happier. Conservatives said they were “very happy” (44%) than liberals (25%). It is likely because of three factors, reasons Brooks, an economist at Syracuse University. Conservatives are more likely to be married, attend church regularly and have children than liberals. Moreover, married and religious people are more to be happy than secular singles.

Conservatives are also more optimistic. They believe that you can succeed if you work hard and follow the rules. As for the liberals, they emphasize the “injustice of the economic system,” showing their pessimism if life. As how David Mamet, a famous ex-liberal puts it, “everything is always wrong.”

Fortunately, being happier doesn’t mean one need to be on either extreme sides. Brooks thinks virtually every American is free to follow their heart in attaining happiness; it is just a matter of giving your time and money away.

Source: Economist.com