3: Lessons in Happiness from the Past

This chapter begins by asking the reader to imagine life in 1930s Bolton (Worktown) as a young person leaving school at age 14, so you can have some appreciation of what life was like in a different age. Extracts from some of the Mass Observation 1938 happiness letters are given, wherein contentment, peace of mind and helping other people were central. Comparisons are made with the authors’ databases from 2014 to 2018 which found that people were no happier despite higher standards of living and greater opportunities. The chapter explains the importance of bonding and bridging social capital. It discusses excessive materialism and the importance of financial wellbeing. The chapter finishes by suggesting areas where positive psychology interventions could be beneficial for the individual and society.