Happiness For $75,000

According to a new study, happiness and emotional well-being peaks for a family at a household income of $75,000. Economist Angus Deaton and Nobel prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman analyzed data from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, and found that people reported becoming happier as their household income increased, but it plateaus at $75,000.

This study reminds me of a Radiolab segment about the effect different cages have on the brains of gorillas. Phsychologists looked at the brains of gorillas who lived in bare cages, cages with a few interactive elements and cages with lots of interactive elements. The gorillas who lived in the cages with a few interactive elements had much healthier brains than the ones who lived in bare cages, but brain health flat-lines in the moderately interactive cages.

99 Portraits Of The 99%

For the past two months, photographer Steven Greaves’ took portraits of the protestors down at Zuccotti Park. Here are a few of my favorites from his beautiful collection,

99 Portraits of the 99%

Dan Singh, 25, cameraman

"Greed and injustice can no longer be abided. Now is the moment."

Abdul Basit Kahn, 21, student at Johns Hopkins

"Agree with general discontent. Specifically corruption of money and political power and the indentured servitude surrounding student debt."

Ana Abiodun, 34, artist

"Because revolution is beautiful!"

Ken Brady, 46, realtor

"Support fairness."

Victoria Murray, 18, student

"I think this idea is great and inspiring and makes me think I can also make a difference."

Amy Roberts Wilson, 39, college professor

"Because I believe corporations wield too much power in our society."

Audrey Hollingsworth, 19, student

"To evolve individually so we can evolve together. To create a new world where everyone has what they need and can live and progress in a content and fair society. Essentially, I want everyone to be happy"