Daily Lessons from Life 30 December 2011 - Singaporeans wealthy but unhappy

"Singaporeans wealthy but unhappy - tabla! Friday, Dec 30, 2011

THEY are among the world's wealthiest, ranking sixth highest in net wealth with a mean value of US$284,692 (S$370,170) per adult according to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Databook 2011 (net wealth is defined by a person's financial and real estate assets without debt; however, experts say it ignores wealth distribution).

But Singaporeans aren't necessarily a happy lot.

The median net wealth figure - which is less vulnerable to being pulled up or down by the very rich or the extremely poor - sees Singapore ranked eighth out of 160 countries, at US$101,033 (S$131,368) per adult.

The only countries that outrank it are Australia, Japan, Belgium, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

Despite the fairly high ranking, The Business Times reported that Singaporeans were a gloomy lot, worried about property prices, taxi fares and the inconsistent public transport, with much of the angst stemming largely from the middle class."

My take:

1. it all depends on how you define: wealth. Money only or not? While Singapore has, as supposedly shown in this report, wealthy people, we KNOW there are many that are still finding daily living a challenge and struggle. The 'average' does not help these people at all. Maybe the unhappiness came from this group of people/citizens?;

2. for me, to be Wealthy is to be Healthy and Happy (or vice verse) while doing something Meaningful and Fulfilling (one or two) as well as some silly/crazy things (one or two that do not create any negative impact to the greater good) with family and friends! It is likely that the Happiness comes from "free from the fear or worry of being 'out of money' when one lives in an urbanized commercial society"!;

3. Health is the foundation of Wealth or at least to create and to enjoy the wealth one creates through one's own good fortune or skills or whatever at no detrimental cost to the greater population!

Overall does Singaporean has any right to complain when compared to many less fortunate citizens of other nations? Probably not. Then again, when you want to set the world best standard of living, we cannot settle for 2nd best. So, there are much more work to be done in 2012 ...

Anyway, it is the 2nd last day of 2011 and let's start the countdown till tomorrow midnight!!