Before we address the issue of the link between the general state of societal
hopefulness/happiness and innovation, it is important to look at the propensity for
individuals to innovate. In his commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005,
Steve Jobs argued that “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” In this
statement, Steve Jobs deliberately differentiated between normal work and “great
work.” Ordinary, routine everyday work is important, but it neither leads to changes in
history nor to inspiring people to do their utmost and advance the cause of humanity.
It is great work that is destined to profoundly better the lives of people and leads to
historical turning points on how things should be processed and performed. Great
work brings mankind closer to reaching its goals in its life journey with less time yet
with optimal utilization of natural resources.
Those who engage in great work are intrinsically motivated. They imagine a future
and take the risks needed to transform the landscape of the global marketplace. They are
gifted with a remarkable imaginative capacity and see themselves as pioneers in a world
that is in need of their positive contributions and innovations. The love of their work and
their dedication to producing something beneficial to the world strengthens their
persistence and lifts their spirit. The happiness and sense of responsibility they derive
from their work multiplies their energy and sustains their commitment. As Kluger (2013)
writes, happy people “don’t just accumulate wealth; they invent things [. . .] [They] are
also generous people.” This conclusion underscores two issues. First, happiness is an
important societal quality, as it fosters wealth accumulation and invention. Both create
jobs and give people opportunities to utilize their potential, while being active economic
and social players. More importantly, in a state of happiness people are more optimistic,
confident, and are willing to navigate untested terrains to achieve goals and build sound
institutions. Their work is inspiring and serves to stimulate others to engage in economic
activities and have faith in their ability to contribute positively to economic and
technological progress. This reinforces the second issue: that happy people are generous,
willing to help others, and display a long term-perspective. That is, these individuals do
not lose the sense of history and their place in a world full of opportunities in which they
can participate, create, invest, and build.
Time magazine (Kluger, 2013) reported that since 1972 the rate of unhappiness has
increased dramatically in the USA. It reported that in 1972 about one-third of Americans
described themselves as very happy. Since 2004, the share of Americans who have
indicated that they are optimists has plummeted from 79 to 50 percent. The happiness
that is prevailing in the USA, according to Time, stems not from sowing but from
reaping, not from building but from watching TV. In a report that follows (Gray, 2013),
Time reported that the US Government has severely cut funds for the Institute for
Innovation,
happiness,
and growth
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