Guru: You see for the past few decades, the world has experienced unprecedented economic growth. Tom: Yes, I see. Guru: But are people happier? Tom: Maybe during initial growth but not the subsequent growth. Guru: Do you know why? Tom: Why? Guru: You see economic growth enables people to possess more material goods. Tom: That should be good. Guru: But these goods are external to the body. Tom: Of course they’re. Guru: So they’re afraid of losing them. Tom: So they’re fearful of losing them. Guru: So the more they’ve, the more fear they’ve. Tom: You mean this is what economic growth is doing to people? Guru: I mean this is one of the consequences of economic growth. Tom: So how can they be happy? Guru: That’s why the poor may be happier. (Extract from Tommy Wong's book, "Wisdom on How to Live Life - Book 2") Dr. Tommy Wong is the author of the book series “Wisdom on How to Live Life”