Time to recognise the reassuring sameness of the human condition

In a nutshell, the things that are conducive to happiness are fit and healthy bodies, realistic goals, self-esteem, optimism, an outgoing personality, a sense of control, close relationships, challenging work and active leisure, punctuated by adequate rest and a faith that entails communal support, purpose and acceptance. Once beyond an average level of income, money is irrelevant to happiness.

Happiness is not age dependent. People of all ages report similar feelings of wellbeing. Gender has a role to play as a predictor of happiness. While men and women experience the same average happiness, women are more vulnerable to depression. Close friendships and relationships are also important to happiness, with married people being happier than singles.

These findings apply irrespective of race or religion.

As individuals we should all be working towards the above ends. As communities we need to foster an environment where each individual can tenably strive to achieve these goals. That is a key ingredient to ensuring that our fundamental interests - the right to life and security- are not imperilled. Arabs want this just as much as the rest of the community.

Let’s make sure that we continue to live in a society where all citizens are given an equal opportunity to flourish - this is the best guarantee of our individual prosperity.