Interesting.
Following the publication this week of the first Nanny State Index, it has been brought to my attention that Sweden and Finland, the countries that top the European table for excessive regulations on smoking, drinking, eating and vaping, are amongst the happiest in the world.
The idea that people like being told what to do is nothing new. Choice is a burden for some people. It complicates life. Indeed, the worry that you may make the wrong choices creates unnecessary stress. So let the government make those decisions for you.
I understand the theory but whether that makes you happier is a moot point. Meanwhile it's worth pointing out that the UK, which ranks third out of 28 European countries in the Nanny State Index, failed to make it into the top 20 'happiest' countries.
Then again, the Netherlands, which rates highly as one of the world's 'happiest' countries, is near the bottom of the Nanny State Index.
So, what do we make of the inconsistencies? I'll leave you to decide.
