In today’s world, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening in many countries. Some argue that bridging this divide is the key to building a happier society. However, I completely disagree with this notion, as reducing income disparity is neither a feasible goal nor a necessary condition for social happiness.
The primary reason for my view lies in the impracticality of this proposal. In reality, there is hardly any country with the financial resources or institutional capacity to truly narrow the wealth gap among its people. Even in affluent nations such as Saudi Arabia or those in Northern Europe, where governments are known for generous welfare systems, most citizens still have to work hard to maintain a decent standard of living. National governments shoulder a wide range of responsibilities – from providing education and creating employment to pursuing sustainable development and investing in infrastructure. Diminishing the income gap is neither a priority in their policy agenda nor within their operational capabilities. Moreover, the level of economic development varies significantly across the globe. Many African nations are still struggling to reduce infant mortality rates, while in wartorn parts of the Middle East, protecting civilians from violence is a far more urgent concern. For such countries, narrowing the wealth gap in the name of building a happy society would not only be unrealistic but also painfully out of touch with their pressing needs.
Another reason I disagree with this idea is that happiness itself is highly subjective and cannot be universally defined by economic equality. Those who view narrowing the wealth gap as the best route to happiness are, in essence, equating wellbeing with material conditions. However, the days when wealth was the sole determinant of happiness are long gone. For instance, the United Kingdom once enjoyed one of the fastest GDP growth rates in the Western world, and yet the discontent among its citizens eventually led to Brexit. This example highlights the fact that modern societies value a broad range of factors in their pursuit of happiness – such as autonomy, cultural identity, and sustainability. Therefore, governments aiming to foster a happier society should not fixate solely on reducing income disparity, but instead address a more diverse set of social expectations.
Of course, China’s vision of “common prosperity” is not merely about wealth redistribution. Rather, it represents a more systematic and sustainable development philosophy – one that emphasizes equal opportunities, basic social security, and the shared benefits of economic growth. Within this national strategy, narrowing the income gap is seen as one important means to enhance overall social wellbeing, but not the sole objective.
In conclusion, although reducing the wealth gap might seem like an ideal goal, it is neither realistic nor sufficient for creating a genuinely happy society. A more comprehensive and flexible approach – one that respects national contexts and embraces a broader understanding of human wellbeing – is essential for achieving this objective.