Abraham Lincoln once said that people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be. So true! Happiness is possible for most everyone when that is the focus. Still, studies show that conservatives have an advantage when it comes to happiness.
Being conservative isn’t just about sticking to traditional values or endless hours caring for a collection of American flags or Smith & Wesson’s. According to numerous studies, conservative folks report higher levels of happiness compared to their liberal counterparts. But why? Let’s take a humorous yet factual look at this phenomenon that’s sure to ruffle some liberal feathers.
The Lifestyle Differences: More Than Just Fox News and BBQs
Conservatives often lead lifestyles that naturally foster greater well-being. Think about it—marriage, a belief in the Divine, a commitment to community, and strong family values are keystones of the conservative way of life. When you’re committed to personal responsibility and the well-being of your community, life tends to be a lot more structured and fulfilling. When you give, you receive!
While liberals are busy trying to reinvent the wheel (or should we say, trying to make it more “inclusive”), conservatives are out there living their best lives. They’re not wasting time debating whether the Founding Fathers would have endorsed renaming the US post offices as did the Democrat led 117th Congress (2021-2022). Conservatives find happiness by focusing on priorities that foster growth in relationships that yield happiness. It’s a feedback loop of personal responsibility, strong family bonds, faith, and community engagement. These interconnected values provide a sense of purpose and stability, reinforcing each other and leading to greater life satisfaction. And now more than ever, conservatives are focused on Unity. Now that’s the pursuit of happiness!
Civic Engagement: Making America Smile Again
Conservatives emphasize engagement in civic and community activities, but unlike the liberals who are constantly trying to ‘fix’ perceived injustices, conservatives focus on maintaining order and tradition. This leads to a more fulfilling and less stressful civic involvement. It’s like the difference between organizing a neighborhood watch and staging a protest because your local coffee shop doesn’t offer enough vegan options.
Happiness Meter: Conservatives vs. Liberals
80%
34%
Religious Beliefs: Not Just for Sundays
William James, the philosopher, hinted at this long ago in “The Varieties of Religious Experience.” He said that religious people are generally more resilient and have a greater sense of inner peace. Guess which side of the political spectrum is more religious? Yep, conservatives. It’s like they’ve found the cheat code to life’s challenges!
Religion offers a sense of purpose, a comforting framework for interpreting the ups and downs of life, and a connection to something greater. Those who attend church regularly report feeling this connection, which translates into increased happiness. Meanwhile, liberals are still trying to find meaning in their locally-sourced, gluten-free, karma-approved crystal collections.
Modern studies show that conservatives, who tend to be religious, are happier thanks to their comforting beliefs and the strong community ethos fostered in religious settings. The Biden-Harris Administration could learn a thing or two about promoting this kind of happiness rather than pushing their divisive agenda. Maybe they just need a little more prayer.
A Stable Worldview: Not Everything Needs a Revolution
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons conservatives are happier is their stable, clear-cut worldview. They see the world in terms of preserving what works. This is much easier on the psyche than the liberal approach, which often involves endless critique and a drive to overhaul societal structures.
Imagine spending your days thinking of ways to tear down and rebuild society versus enjoying the stability and time-tested values you already have. No wonder conservatives are happier! It’s like the difference between constantly remodeling your house and actually living in it. At some point, you’ve got to sit down and enjoy the view, right?
Historical Insights: Making America Great (and Happy) Again
Let’s not forget the Trump Administration, which empowered Americans to achieve more personally and economically. Policies that empowered faith-based organizations and removed cumbersome regulations absolutely contributed to this environment where happiness could thrive.
Compare that to the progressive policies today, where every moment seems to be a new challenge of finding yet another systemic problem to solve. It’s like they’re playing a never-ending game of “Whack-a-Mole” with societal issues, while conservatives are enjoying a nice game of golf.
Remember when the economy was booming under Trump? Unemployment rates hit record lows, including for minority communities. The stock market was soaring, and Americans were feeling optimistic about their financial futures. Now, under Biden’s watch, we’re dealing with skyrocketing inflation and energy prices that make filling up your car feel like taking out a second mortgage.
The Liberal Pursuit of Unhappiness
While conservatives are out there living their best lives, liberals seem to be on a perpetual quest for things to be upset about. It’s almost as if they’ve turned complaining into an Olympic sport. From “microaggressions” to “cultural appropriation,” they’ve invented a whole new language just to express their discontent.
Take the Green New Deal, for instance. While conservatives are enjoying their backyard barbecues, liberals are fretting over the carbon footprint of their quinoa salad. It’s exhausting just thinking about it!
And let’s not forget the liberal obsession with identity politics. While conservatives celebrate what unites us as Americans, liberals are busy dividing everyone into ever-smaller categories of victimhood. It’s like they’re playing a real-life version of “Oppression Olympics,” where the gold medal goes to whoever can claim the most intersectional identities.
Conclusion: The Conservative Path to Happiness
So, if you want to get closer to happiness, it might be time to embrace some conservative values. Whether it’s dedicating more time to family, community, or your faith, the results don’t lie. Conservatives are winning the happiness game. The dynamic duo of tradition and stability gives conservatives a sunnier perspective on life.
Next time you see your conservative neighbor whistling while mowing their lawn (with a gas-powered mower, no less!), remember: they’re not just happy because of the well-manicured grass. They’re happy because they’ve embraced a lifestyle that values personal responsibility, community, and time-tested traditions.
So, consider it, and you might just find yourself smiling a bit more. Who knows? You might even start to enjoy the sound of freedom (aka fireworks) on the Fourth of July instead of worrying about the local squirrels’ stress levels. Now that’s what I call the pursuit of happiness!
Table of Contents
- The Lifestyle Differences: More Than Just Fox News and BBQs
- Civic Engagement: Making America Smile Again
- Religious Beliefs: Not Just for Sundays
- A Stable Worldview: Not Everything Needs a Revolution
- Historical Insights: Making America Great (and Happy) Again
- The Liberal Pursuit of Unhappiness
- Conclusion: The Conservative Path to Happiness