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Take the United States: Richard A. Easterlin, an economics professor at the University of Southern California and a former Guggenheim Fellow, has done extensive research that "found no significant relationship between happiness and time over a period in which GDP (gross domestic product) per capita grew by one-third, from 1972 to 1991."

Similarly, Eric Weiner notes in "The Geography of Bliss" that America -- "the wealthiest nation in the world" -- is "three times richer than we were in 1950, yet no happier."

The explosion in wealth created by the postwar boom had not made a dent, he discovered. Although the average family was 60 percent richer in 1974, levels of contentment remained unchanged from 1945” (USC Trojan Family Magazine, Winter 2007).

The United States is far richer in 2008 than it was 1974 and yet again these figures show no improvement. In fact, every measurement of personal well-being—psychological, emotional, and spiritual—demonstrates that despite our increased abundance we are less satisfied and more depressed than ever

As Easterlin has confirmed, as we acquire possessions, our aspirations rise in proportion to the gains, leaving us no happier than before. Indeed the more we earn, the more we want! This misguided expectation sets us up for perpetual disappointment because as the evidence demonstrates, prosperity fails as a source of true happiness and life satisfaction.

American charities have weathered a significant drop in giving this year, and while they're hoping for a holiday miracle, a recent survey shows they will probably see a decrease in year-end generosity.In light of the economic downturn, only 38 percent of Americans say they are more likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present this year, compared to 49 percent last year, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive to be released Monday