Many Americans have bought into the idea that a rapidly rising GNP (Gross National Product) figure is good for them and others who live here in the USA. These people believe that spending less is risky because it may be bad for our country. We need to educate Americans about other indicators of economic health such as the Gross National Happiness Index.

The GNP goes up whenevery someone in America spends money, for example, when a patient is diagnosed with cancer, when a ship crashes and sinks, when USA bombers are shot down over enemy territory. On the other hand, the Gross National Happiness Index can rise even when Americans are spending less from one year to the next.