Once we get a lot of data onto maps, we can really begin to understand reality in much different ways, like where to build a house to increase thehappinessofthe people inside it, how to make routes that avoid accidents, and how to design better urban systems.
But there is growing interest in the study ofhappiness, not just among geneticists but also among economists and policymakers dissatisfied with current waysof measuring humanity's achievements.
In their fascinating book "Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending, " Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton say there are two ways to get more happiness out of our money.