Prosperity, Egoism, Voluntary Simplicity, Sustainability, and Expectations of Immortality

Abstract

The presence or absence of states described by the concepts of happiness, well-being, and prosperity play a crucial role in determining behaviour and valuing the space of experience and horizon of expectation at the individual and social group levels. On the other hand, the characterisation and value assigned to these four concepts change over time and vary throughout the world depending on social and economic development levels and on cultural and religious factors. Nonetheless, before attempting to perform a specific analysis of each concept, it is worth pointing out that the desire to enjoy happiness, well-being, and prosperity is universal, even if the relative value assigned to each varies over time and around the globe. Let us begin with a brief description of each concept.