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In Memoriam: Richard A. Easterlin (January 12, 1926 – December 16, 2024)
The International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS) joins the global academic community in mourning the passing of Richard A. Easterlin, a pioneering scholar whose profound contributions have forever shaped our understanding of happiness, well-being, and the human condition.
Richard Easterlin, University Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Southern California, was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Economic Association. A celebrated economist and thought leader, Easterlin’s groundbreaking research included the "Easterlin Paradox," which revealed that while income and happiness are positively related in the short run, long-term economic growth does not necessarily lead to greater happiness. This work has become foundational in the study of subjective well-being and continues to inspire scholars and policymakers worldwide.
Easterlin’s influence extended far beyond his research. A recipient of ISQOLS’ Distinguished QOL Researcher Award in 2006, his contributions enriched the field of quality-of-life studies and advanced its global reach. In 2021, we had the honor of hosting him for a webinar titled "Explaining Happiness and Income in the Short and Long Run: A Lesson on Happiness."During this event, he shared insights from his 2021 book, An Economist’s Lessons on Happiness: Farewell, Dismal Science!, offering a masterful exploration of the interplay between economic growth, social comparison, and human happiness.
Throughout his illustrious career, Easterlin served as a mentor, a leader, and a visionary. From his early days as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania to his tenure at the University of Southern California, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing knowledge. He held esteemed roles, including presidencies of the Population Association of America and the Western Economic Association International, and his contributions earned him recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Econometric Society, and the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA).
Richard Easterlin’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, humility, and a steadfast dedication to understanding the factors that contribute to human flourishing. His work continues to influence fields as diverse as economics, sociology, psychology, and public policy, and his contributions will resonate for generations to come.
As we remember and celebrate his life, ISQOLS extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who were inspired by his work. We are honored to have been part of his journey and will strive to carry forward his mission to improve the quality of life worldwide.
Sincerely, The International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS)
All of us at ISQOLS deeply mourn the loss of Prof. Dr. Ruut Veenhoven, one of our founding and most influential members, who passed away on December 9, 2024. Ruut has been one of the earliest members of ISQOLS and worked as emeritus professor at the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation, Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Ruut was not only one of the ‘godfathers’ of the scientific study of happiness and inspiration for many researchers, but also a great colleague and friend to many of us. We shall miss him dearly, but his contributions and spirit will forever resonate within the happiness community and beyond.
To remember and honor Ruut, we provide an overview of his life and work below.
On behalf of the ISQOLS Board,
Martijn Burger (ISQOLS President) and Jill Johnson (ISQOLS Executive Director)
Obituary Ruut Veenhoven (1942-2024) by Ad Bergsma
Ruut Veenhoven was one of the godfathers of the scientific study of happiness, a founding editor of the Journal of Happiness Studies and the driving force behind the World Database of Happiness.
Veenhoven was born during the Second World War in 1942 in The Hague in The Netherlands. During the sixties, he studied sociology and never stopped working on the liberation and emancipation of individuals. After formal retirement, he kept working in his room at the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization. On the wall he kept a picture of his younger self, with the long hair and shaggy beard that was common for the counterculture of the sixties. Between 1970 and 1990 he was a leading advocate in promoting the acceptance of voluntary childlessness and abortion law reform in The Netherlands.
In his PhD study Veenhoven (1984) concentrated on the conditions of happiness. His life's work was the World Database of Happiness, in which he and a team of volunteers and coworkers brought together some 50,000 standardized descriptions of empirical findings on happiness as subjective appreciation of life. When his physicians told Veenhoven he lived in spare time, he asked me to mention in his obituary that some institution could still adopt the WDH. If not, his work was not in vain. Volunteers will finish the work on World Database of Happiness by entering another 1,500 studies. The WDH will be complete for studies published before 2021 and will remain publicly available.
The database provides empirical ground for Jeremy Bentham's moral theory that societies should aim for the 'greatest happiness for the greatest number'. Veenhoven’s underlying idea was that societies can raise happiness when we know in what circumstances it occurs. To paraphrase the American Declaration of Independence, Veenhoven facilitated the informed pursuit of happiness.
Scientifically, Veenhoven will be remembered for several, often quoted insights. The most consequential is perhaps that countries differ widely in average happiness of citizens and that it is possible to predict 80 percent of the variance. People are generally happy in countries in which basic human needs are fulfilled and that are characterized by:
As Veenhoven himself recently remarked: ‘Prophets of doom associate modernization with increasing misery, but the data show a positive correlation with happiness. We now live longer and happier than ever before in human history and both longevity and happiness are still on the rise.’
Veenhoven did not escape a downside of a long life. He spent his last years in ill health but kept working and enjoying life. ‘The thought that my death is imminent, gives me peace of mind, much to my own surprise.’ One anecdote sums up what he was like. I once phoned in on him when he was stuck on a train platform, because the elevator was out of order and he no longer had the strength to climb the stairs. Veenhoven did not complain, but cheerfully described how much he appreciated public transport in The Netherlands and the excellent health care he received. As one of his PhD students and associate Jan Ott opined: ‘Ruut was able to be stoic in the face of setbacks, without sliding into indifference.’
Veenhoven also had an opportunistic streak. When he was diagnosed in 2019 with the disease that would end his life in 2024, he used this news to get some extra money to finish a paper on the effectiveness of happiness trainings. When I told him he surprised me, he would simply say that ‘you have to make hay when the sun shines’. Doing just happened to be his mission and one of his favorite pastimes.
Veenhoven was married to Kiki Dijkstra and was father of two daughters and a son. The days he could spend with his grandchildren were sacred to him. Veenhoven was a scientist with a vibrant enjoyment of life who never missed an opportunity to poke fun at himself and other dwellers of academia. We will miss him.
Dr. Ad Bergsma is a psychologist and science journalist. Ruut Veenhoven supervised his 2011 PhD dissertation ‘Imperfectly Happy’ and they continued cooperation until today, such as on the effects of happiness training.
In Memoriam: Ruut Veenhoven
The International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS) mourns the loss of Ruut Veenhoven, a pioneering scholar whose life's work shaped the fields of happiness, well-being, and quality-of-life research. As a founding board member of ISQOLS in 1995 and the architect of the World Database of Happiness, Ruut devoted his career to unraveling the complexities of happiness through empirical rigor and innovative methods.
Ruut’s journey into happiness research began during his sociology studies in the 1960s. His early experiences with political movements, personal reflection, and academic curiosity spurred his lifelong commitment to understanding happiness as a measurable and actionable concept. His seminal contributions include the influential publications Conditions of Happiness (1984), Happiness in Nations (1993), and The Four Qualities of Life (2000). Beyond these works, his tireless efforts as the director of the World Database of Happiness created an unparalleled resource for researchers, housing over 50,000 findings on life satisfaction.
Ruut believed that happiness was not just a fleeting state but a tangible outcome influenced by social conditions, informed choices, and individual life-ability. His work consistently challenged philosophical speculations about happiness, demonstrating through data that greater happiness is both possible and achievable. As he eloquently put it, “Happiness requires a livable environment, but it also depends on life-ability: the ability to find a way of life that fits you.”
His dedication to advancing the science of happiness extended beyond research. Through his leadership roles at Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization (EHERO), and North-West University in South Africa, he mentored countless scholars and inspired interdisciplinary collaboration worldwide.
Carrying Forward Ruut’s Legacy
Ruut left detailed instructions for the continuation of the World Database of Happiness, emphasizing its importance as a resource for future generations of scholars. The database, now preserved in the library of Erasmus University Rotterdam, will remain publicly available. Ruut’s wish was for the archive to grow and adapt, enabling new research and discoveries. Scholars and institutions can build upon his work through:
Detailed guidelines for building on the database can be found here.
We urge members of the ISQOLS community and researchers worldwide to honor Ruut’s legacy by supporting and contributing to the preservation and advancement of the World Database of Happiness. Whether through funding, collaboration, or sharing expertise, there are many ways to ensure this invaluable resource continues to thrive.
For those interested in partnering with ISQOLS to support the World Database of Happiness, please contact Jill@isqols.org. Together, we can uphold Ruut’s vision of advancing happiness research for the betterment of societies worldwide.
A Life Well-Lived, A Legacy Everlasting
Ruut often said that his happiness research brought meaning and joy to his own life. As he reflected in his later years, “Doing research keeps me sharp, involves daily contacts with colleagues and students, and it gives me a sense of meaning. I lead a life that fits me.”
His life’s work has touched countless lives, and his influence will endure through the scholarship he inspired and the tools he created. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire quality-of-life research community as we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Ruut Veenhoven.
May we continue his mission to create greater happiness for a greater number.
In Memoriam: Professor Takashi Inoguchi (1944–2024)
With deep sadness, the International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS) mourns the loss of Professor Takashi Inoguchi, an influential scholar in the fields of wellbeing, political science, and international relations. Professor Inoguchi, aged 80, and his 33-year-old daughter tragically passed away in a fire at his Tokyo condominium on the night of November 27, 2024. His impactful work and dedication to global understanding have left a lasting impression on academia and international policy discourse.
Professor Inoguchi’s academic journey began in Niigata Prefecture, where he was born in 1944. A dedicated and insightful student, he earned his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1974. His career spanned more than five decades, including appointments at esteemed institutions such as Sophia University, the University of Tokyo, Niigata University of Niigata Prefecture, and the United Nations University. His work resonated far beyond Japan, influencing scholars and policymakers across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Known for his thoughtful analyses of global politics and his pioneering studies on quality of life in East Asia, Professor Inoguchi authored over 150 books and numerous articles. Projects such as the AsiaBarometer Survey enhanced understanding of political culture and trust in Asian societies. His research shed light on the complex interplay of Western and Asian perspectives, encapsulated in his observation: “Depending on where you stand, the political scenario changes.”
Professor Inoguchi’s career was characterized by a commitment to building bridges—across regions, disciplines, and ideologies. As Senior Vice Rector at the United Nations University and through roles in the Japan Association of International Relations, UNESCO, and other global organizations, he advocated for collaborative approaches to global challenges.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Professor Inoguchi was a respected mentor who guided countless students and colleagues. His intellectual curiosity and encouragement inspired others to approach international relations with both critical and open minds. His legacy is carried forward through the Takashi Inoguchi Endowed Track at ISQOLS, which supports research on quality of life and well-being in East Asia.
Professor Inoguchi was also a devoted family man. Together with his wife, Senator Kuniko Inoguchi—a distinguished academic and political leader—he formed a partnership built on shared values and mutual respect. His passing alongside one of his daughters adds immeasurable sorrow to an already profound loss.
As we reflect on Professor Inoguchi’s life, we honor his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue to address the challenges of our time. While he will be greatly missed, his contributions to academia and the global community will continue to inspire.
Announcing the program of events organized under the Quality of Life Initiative framework at the World Urban Forum 12 in Cairo.
We are pleased to have a number of very interesting discussions under preparation, from a Training session on quality of life measures led by the ISQOLS, to a Special Session on health and quality of life, a high level networking event led by the Quality of Life Program, a One UN event on Innovation led by UN Global Pulse and a One UN event that will dive into the regional dimensions of quality of life under the leadership of ESCWA and Regional Commissions.
Finally, we will close this exciting week with a Voices from Cities event led by the City of Vancouver, where you will hear thorough feedback from the five cities that have pioneered the Quality of Life methodology. They will tell you why they joined us on this journey and what they have learned !
Book your calendars if you haven't done yet .
These discussions will allow us to expand the conversation, share and dive a little more into the many opportunities that working on quality of life offer to achieve more impact in cities and towns.
Quality of Life at WUF12.png
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HAPPINESS, QUALITY OF LIFE AND SUBJECTIVE WELLBEING
Edited by Hilke Brockmann, Roger Fernandez-Urbano
This comprehensive Encyclopedia delves into the underpinnings, approaches, and recent advancements in the dynamic global landscape of happiness and wellbeing research.
AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE WITH 50% DISCOUNT FOR ISQOLS MEMBERS (PLUS POSTAGE) WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE ISQOLS50
To order visit www.e-elgar.com or email sales@e-elgar.co.uk quoting the discount codE
LEARN MORE: Brockmann Encyclopedia Flyer DISC (2).pdf
ISQOLS 2024 Annual Conference Reflections
At the end of June, I went to Sabah, Malaysia for the annual ISQOLS conference. The journey in ISQOLS 2024 means a lot to my academic development. This was my first time to attend ISQOLS conference. It was also my first time to give oral presentation at international conference.
I really appreciate the conference committee offer me such a great opportunity to communicate with global scholars. They have considered every detail relevant to the trip and reminded me via the timely email. Knowing that I’m a PhD student in need of financial support, they generously provided me an education grant on the conference. I want to say thanks to all of you. Particularly, special thanks to the Executive Director, Jill, for reminding me the updated information and getting all the things prepared. Before the conference, I was hesitating how to handle with my trip because I would attend my first conference by myself. The conference arrangements made me feel secured.
Overall, I had a fruitful experience during the conference! The pre-conference workshop I attended provided rich information on psychosocial intervention and life coaching. Regarding the presentation, I was assigned at the Session 12D (Consumer Finance and Well-Being). The presentations at this session were all closely related to my research interests. Particularly, I had frequently read the presenters’ papers even before I notice ISQOLS 2024. The presenters’ ideas had provided me insights to my research. It is my great pleasure to have this opportunity to meet these experts and professors and share my research with them. We had a lot of discussions about our similar research interests. I also learnt a lot regarding my presentation and research from comments and suggestions put forward by presenters and the audience during my session.
Additionally, I really like a special session, Editors’ perspective! I heard that not many conferences had this session. I think this is a representation of the high quality of ISQOLS conference. I communicated with some editors, particularly Prof Xiao from the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning and Prof Yao from the Journal of Consumer Affairs. As a research student in social welfare, financial capability, and quality-of-life, I have closely followed these two journals and also the other ones, Applied Research in Quality of Life (Prof Shek), Social Indicators Research (Prof Botha), and Journal of Happiness Studies (Prof Rossouw). In this session, the editors gave us useful information regarding manuscript preparation and submission. I want to great thanks to these editors and the conference committee for arranging this session.
Finally, I think my first time with ISQOLS conference was quite good. After experiencing this trip in Malaysia, I decide to follow ISQOLS continuously. I’m looking forward to the next annual conference and other membership activities. Wishing more future connections with all of you. Thanks!
Zewei Liu
Summary of My Experience at the ISQOLS Conference as a Developing Country Fellow
Written by Claire Biribawa
On 10th April 2024, I received the awesome news of being selected as the Developing country fellow and was thrilled about this opportunity and later on being able to travel for the ISQOLS at Kota Kinabalu. Quality of life may seem straightforward to understand, but to me, it was incredibly complex and is often overlooked, especially in the context of my background. Growing up in Uganda my childhood was vibrant and usually Iilled with laughter, games, and the pure joy of being alive. Our playgrounds were the open Iields, our toys crafted from banana Iibres or whatever we could Iind.
As I grew older, the realities of life in Uganda began to reveal themselves. The carefree days of childhood slowly gave way to an awareness of the world around me. In a country where where over 20% of the population livedon less than a dollar per day talking about Quality of Life is a far thought or even a concern because most are focusing on the next meal. Like in many Sub Saharan African Countries, there are other demanding challenges like infectious diseases, maternal health and now non communicable disease and research on quality of life and well-being is not given the priority it desearves. Africa isn't exactly topping the charts on quality of life. There isa dearth of literature coming out of the continent, and reports indicate that existing research is often unfocused and uncontextualized. Researching quality of life in Sub Saharan Africa seems a far off and arguably an abstract idea, far removed from the urgent public health issues and needs we are dealing with.
But should this be??
Attending the ISQOLS 2024 conference made me realise that it should not be…and should never have been. The ISQOLS conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was a profoundly enriching experience for me as a developing country fellow as it made me realize how deeply Quality of Life transcended every aspect of public health and not only that but ensuring that every person had the opportunity to live a fulIilling, digniIied life is of utmost importance. The conference provided a unique platform where I got exposure to various research Iindings on quality-of-life, wellbeing, and happiness, research methods and had the opportunity to engage with policymakers and leaders from various sectors.
In addition to the conference dinner, welcoming ceremony, and pre-conference workshops, one of the highlights of the conference was the stellar cast of keynote speakers Simon Eckermann, Andrew Clark presentation on Easterlin Paradox at 50 and Mohsen Joshanloo – Quest for Authenticity all concepts which was very new to me and opened my eyes to new values and ways of approaching QoL research.
The Elizabeth Eckermann Endowed Track on Gender and Quality of Life provided me an opportunity to understand how gender roles impact well-being. I was able to learn about successful policies, interventions and recommendations that have the potential to improve gender equality and quality of life, and although these were conducted outside Africa (Norway, India and Taiwan), they were quite relatable and could be adapted.
I could not miss out on the Valerie Moller Endowed Track for the Advancement of Quality of Life and Wellbeing in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, except for the paper which presented Iindings of work conducted in Northern Kenya, the rest of these papers presented Iindings from South Africa. Even by the attendance of this session, which comprised of mainly the speakers of the session and about three other people in the audience, the glaring lack of representation from the African continent was prominent. The unique challenges and perspectives of African countries are critical to the discourse, and their absence was a signiIicant gap in the conference.
The opportunity to meet and network with scholars from around the world, each with different methodological and theoretical perspectives, was invaluable. It reinforced the importance of generating research-based knowledge to contribute to the well-being of societies globally. A particularly memorable moment for me was a discussion with a fellow participant – Dr. Anita Mortlock who shared about her work with children and inspired me to apply some of these concepts with the work I am doing in Uganda about Children of Addicted Parents. This conversation encapsulated the spirit of the conference – a collective commitment to improving lives through knowledge and collaboration.
In conclusion, the ISQOLS conference was a transformative experience. I left the conference with renewed energy and a clearer vision for the future, committed to applying the insights gained to enhance the well-being of communities in Uganda and beyond. The experience also reinforced the importance of advocating for greater representation and inclusion of African voices in such global forums.
Claire Biribawa, ISQOLS 2024 Valerie Moller Fellow
ISQOLS mourns the loss of member, Dr. Fouad Hamdi Beseiso (1943-2024)
Professor,
Center of Economic Future for Consultancy and Strategic Studies
Independent Senior Regional Economic Adviser and Senior Researcher on Economics, Finance and Central Banking
Jordan
Dr. Fouad Hamdi Beseiso (1943-2024)
Professor Fouad Beseiso was a distinguished former Central Bank Governor, a prominent regional economic adviser, publisher, scholar, and economic thinker specializing in International Economics, Islamic Economics, and Happiness Economics. With over 50 years of experience in Jordanian, Arab Gulf States, Palestinian, regional, and international banking, finance, and economic development, he significantly contributed to the development of many Arab economies. He was appointed as the first Governor and Founder of the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) in 1994, serving until 2002.
Summary of Expertise and Academic Skills & Qualifications:
Founder and owner of the Center of Economic Future for Consultancy and Strategic Studies. (2002-2024)
Professor of Economics, Banking, Business, and Finance Sciences, at several Arab universities (Apr 2002 - Sep 2012).
Chief Program Planning Officer and Senior Regional Consultant on Development Planning and Policies (1989-2003, UN ESCWA).
Secretary General & Director General, Fund for The Development of Palestinians under Occupation, Jordan (1979-4989)
Economic Expert, Sultanate of Oman Government, Oman (1973-1979).
Advisor for developmental activities and planning in the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Petroleum & Minerals, Sultanate of Oman Government, Oman (1973-1979).
Central Bank of Jordan, Division Chief "Research & Monetary Policy Department", Jordan (1968-1973).
Approved examiner by numerous international universities and scientific research institutions for doctoral and master's theses, and recognized by many scientific research organizations as a reviewer for research submitted to international journals and conferences.
Specialized in Monetary Economics, particularly Central and Development Banking.
Education:
University of Durham, Collingwood College, UKDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), International Economics (1979-1982)
Alexandria University, Faculty of CommerceBA Degree in Economics and Political Sciences (1964-1971)MA Degree in Economics, Development Economics, and International Development (1964-1971)
Activities and Societies:
Life Member, Center for Middle East & Islamic Studies, Durham, U.K.
Member, Arab Economic Research Association, Cairo, Egypt.
Former Chairman, Board of Directors, Palestinian Economists’ Society.
Senior Adviser, Joint Jordanian–Palestinian Business Forum.
Full Member, Middle East Studies Association of North America. U.S.A
Former Member- Arab Central banks & Monetary Authorities Council, Arab Member - Arab Monetary Fund, Abu Dhabi- UAE
Former Member-Board of Trustees, Arab Academy for Financial & Banking Sciences, Arab League, Amman- Jordan
Former Member- Board of Directors, Union of Arab Banks, Beirut- Lebanon
Member- Jordanian Economists' Society
Former Chairman, Board of Directors, Palestinian Economists’ Society
Awards & Prizes:
World's Most Respected Experts, International Directory of Experts and Expertise, American Biographical Institute, U.S.A.
Arab Banks Union Prize for Most Respected Bankers
Publications:
Towards Human Role for the Green Financial and Monetary System Addressing Climate Change Crisis (Feb. 2024)
A Strategic Ethical Vision for the Financial Regulation System for Managing Challenges and Crisis (Aug. 2021)
Towards A New Human Approach for Economics, Banking and Finance (Dec. 2017)
Islamic Economics and Happiness Economics: A Case Study on the Role of Central Banks in Approaching Human Wellbeing (Nov. 2016)
Central Banks’ Role in Shaping the Future of Islamic Banking (Aug. 2014)
The Developing Role of Islamic Banking and Finance: From Local to Global Perspective (Emerald Group Publishing, 2014)
Determinants of Economic, Financial and Banking Crisis Management (Arab Banks Union, Beirut, 2010, in Arabic)
Integrating a Sustainable Environment into Human Development: Conceptual and Practical Approach (Taylor & Francis Group, London, CRC Press, 2009)
The Israeli Economy between War and Peace (Al Galeel House for Publications, Amman, 1984)
Pragmatic Approach to Arab Gulf States Development Cooperation (Arab Unity Studies Centre, Beirut, 1984)
Recruitment of Associate Editors and Members of the Editorial Board
Dear Colleagues,
Invitation to a study on Using Artificial Intelligence in Sustainability Teaching and Learning.
An international research team is undertaking a study aiming at exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance educational outcomes, develop sustainable solutions, and prepare students for future challenges at Higher Education Institutions. For this purpose, a survey has been designed and the instrument can be seen at: https://forms.gle/z6SK1aYbKmBMUC3g8. We kindly invite any faculty and administrators who teach at universities/colleges across the world to participate in this survey. We look forward to your inputs. Thank you!
Best,
Eundeok
**********************************************
Eundeok Kim, Ph.D.
Professor Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship Florida State University 111 South Monroe Street 202 Jim Moran Building Tallahassee, FL 32301-1110 Phone: 850-644-2789 Email: ekim@fsu.edu
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Email: office@isqols.org
