Money Changes Everything

Aimless surfing brought me to this chart measuring two axes: GDP Per Capita and Composite Well Being. Unsurprisingly, money does make a difference.

Although I'm sure the Socialists will be quick to note the broad sweet spot where moderate happiness and lower income balance out.

[Digression: Most folks know the song in the post title from the Cindi Lauper version. But the song was written and first recorded by an Atlanta band called The Brains (two great albums on Atlantic records!). Songwriter and lead singer Tom Gray sings it with the appropriate bitterness, and, you have to admit, it sounds much angrier coming from a man.]