Dream on, Professor!

The emergence and evolution of modern science since the seventeenth century has led to three major breakthroughs in the human condition. Developments in the natural sciences spurred the Industrial Revolution in the late eighteenth century; progress in the life sciences precipitated the Demographic Revolution in the latter half of the nineteenth century; and the emergence of the social sciences sparked the Happiness Revolution in the late twentieth century. The social sciences themselves are marked by three major achievements, including, first, widespread recognition that circumstances beyond an individual’s control cause unemployment, poor health, and poverty and therefore must be alleviated through collective action; second, awareness of the need for economic policies aimed at minimizing the financial crises and depressions associated with the rise of the free market economy; and third, understanding the necessity of cradle-to-grave social policies that address the foremost concerns for personal happiness—employment and income security, a fulfilling family life, and good health,. Together, these social science achievements are leading to a worldwide improvement in people’s feelings of well-being—to the Happiness Revolution.