[Moma]

I think what Hen mentions as a minority is a very important statement.

As a minority, I don't think Europe beats out the States. It is my personal opinion that the UK is the best country in Europe for a minority and that isn't saying that everyone should pack their bags and run to (or run from) the UK. I am open to opinions on this.

And don't quote getting 9's as a happiness. A man needs to eat and be mobile. What's the good of fcuking a 9 if you earn janitor wages and have the mobility of a refugee?

I never had any interest to live in any other country in Europe and I didn't see the incentive either. All the cats I know were leaving the so called nirvanas in droves to come to England.

[ManAbout]

(10-19-2012 10:56 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What is quality of living? Can the people in Europe hop on the boat go to an island with palm trees and bikinis and go swimming in 5 minutes? On Christmas? No really so basically you are personally responsible for your quality of life. How could Toronto be on there and St. Augustine FL not be?

Yes, I agree with you, that sounds like a good place to live. But, again, how many people in the US live that lifestyle?

[Hencredible Casanova]

I have family in Europe (including in Stockholm), so I know the differences very well. IMO, there's not a city in Europe that's on NYC's level, not even London. Also, Europe just lacks that energy and optimism that you find in the States. Most people don't seem that happy. I rarely see people smiling or laughing there the way I do in the States. People aren't as happy-go-lucky as Americans are and they are pretty reserved and weary about trusting strangers. I don't think quality of life necessarily denotes happiness. I've seen happiness surveys that rank Nigeria and Mexico the happiest countries in the world.

For me, happiness comes from within. It's the relationships you have with your friends, family and with yourself.

[el mechanico]

(10-19-2012 11:07 AM)ManAbout Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 10:56 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What is quality of living? Can the people in Europe hop on the boat go to an island with palm trees and bikinis and go swimming in 5 minutes? On Christmas? No really so basically you are personally responsible for your quality of life. How could Toronto be on there and St. Augustine FL not be?

Yes, I agree with you, that sounds like a good place to live. But, again, how many people in the US live that lifestyle?

A shitload here.

[Vickers]

(10-19-2012 11:14 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 11:07 AM)ManAbout Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 10:56 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What is quality of living? Can the people in Europe hop on the boat go to an island with palm trees and bikinis and go swimming in 5 minutes? On Christmas? No really so basically you are personally responsible for your quality of life. How could Toronto be on there and St. Augustine FL not be?

Yes, I agree with you, that sounds like a good place to live. But, again, how many people in the US live that lifestyle?

A shitload here.

And how does this "shitload" compare to the overall population?
What are the numbers?2 or maybe 3 percent?

[The Fantasist]

(10-19-2012 10:56 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What is quality of living? Can the people in Europe hop on the boat go to an island with palm trees and bikinis and go swimming in 5 minutes?

Yes,I'd say many many more Europeans can do that then Americans. Croatians can,Greeks can,Albanians can,Montenegrans can,lots of Italians can... Maybe not at Christmas like you can in Florida but certainly for most of the year. And our islands are fuckfests: Ibiza,Corfu,Aya Napa ( Cyprus ).

I think the reasons why Europeans are ( supposedly ) happier is that we don't worship money and success as much. Being wealthy and displaying it with large houses,expensive cars etc. is still seen as vulgar amongst many of us and hence we dont feel the pressure to keep up with your neighbours so to speak. We are content with our little houses and small back gardens and find happiness in smaller pleasures. Also the not chasing the $$$ is what makes us happier because it gives us time to focus on things that are more meaningful in life: friendships,experiences,knowledge,relationships,culture etc. Just my take.

America is an awesome place though so no hating from me.

[ManAbout]

(10-19-2012 11:12 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

I have family in Europe (including in Stockholm), so I know the differences very well.

Again, these are all your own personal observations, and they are valid, to you. But, to the rest, an empirical study that weighs tens of factors, across hundreds of cities has more validity and resonance. Nothing against what you have seen and observed, but there is no way that your experiences can match the breadth of this study or many other studies.

There are three different studies here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_mos...ble_cities

And not one US city is in the top 10 of any of those studies. Not one.

[Scarecr0w]

(10-19-2012 12:12 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 10:56 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What is quality of living? Can the people in Europe hop on the boat go to an island with palm trees and bikinis and go swimming in 5 minutes?

Yes,I'd say many many more Europeans can do that then Americans. Croatians can,Greeks can,Albanians can,Montenegrans can,lots of Italians can... Maybe not at Christmas like you can in Florida but certainly for most of the year. And our islands are fuckfests: Ibiza,Corfu,Aya Napa ( Cyprus ).

I think the reasons why Europeans are ( supposedly ) happier is that we don't worship money and success as much. Being wealthy and displaying it with large houses,expensive cars etc. is still seen as vulgar amongst many of us and hence we dont feel the pressure to keep up with your neighbours so to speak. We are content with our little houses and small back gardens and find happiness in smaller pleasures. Also the not chasing the $$$ is what makes us happier because it gives us time to focus on things that are more meaningful in life: friendships,experiences,knowledge,relationships,culture etc. Just my take.

America is an awesome place though so no hating from me.

I agree with most that you have said, but do you think southern europeans are happier than northern ones?

[el mechanico]

"Yes,I'd say many many more Europeans can do that then Americans. Croatians can,Greeks can,Albanians can,Montenegrans can,lots of Italians can... Maybe not at Christmas like you can in Florida but certainly for most of the year. And our islands are fuckfests: Ibiza,Corfu,Aya Napa ( Cyprus ). "

I'm talking Florida lifestyle. I'm at my desk at work right now and can be on the boat looking at bikinis with a full cooler of drinks in 10 minutes. Sure there's tons of retards here that live inland by choice and hang out in the mud on weekends but anyone can do this.

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

[Moma]

Isn't happiness conceptual? So if all the things are in place for one to be happy but they are shooting for higher things, they will feel unhappy even though in reality they really have all they need.

[Luomu]

This sound stupid as it comes from a Finn but having travelled around Europe, I really think Finland is the best country in Europe. We may not have the best climate if you like palm trees but we do have all four seasons and great ski resorts where the season lasts for 6 months per year. We have the shortest working week in whole Europe, one of the most livable capital (Helsinki), the best education among the OECD countries etc.

The saleries are not that great if you compare them e.g. to USA or the rest of the Northern/Western Europe but for some reason most of the people have an access to a nice second home near a lake or the sea.

[ManAbout]

(10-19-2012 12:35 PM)Moma Wrote:  

Isn't happiness conceptual? So if all the things are in place for one to be happy but they are shooting for higher things, they will feel unhappy even though in reality they really have all they need.

For example, a guy driving a SUV that does 8mpg and being unhappy that gas is $5 a gallon.

[The Fantasist]

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

[Joga Bonito]

Yo Hen, have you had a chance to visit Stockholm? How was your overall experience?

[el mechanico]

(10-19-2012 12:48 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

Well Greeks complain 24/7 and are rude as fuck same with Norwegians.

I would honestly say the poor Dominicans and Mexicans are happier.

[The Fantasist]

(10-19-2012 12:52 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:48 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

Well Greeks complain 24/7 and are rude as fuck same with Norwegians.

I would honestly say the poor Dominicans and Mexicans are happier.

Good point.

The people I met in Laos or Indonesia who had a fraction of what we have seemed more content and happy then most the people I know here in England.

[el mechanico]

(10-19-2012 12:56 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:52 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:48 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

Well Greeks complain 24/7 and are rude as fuck same with Norwegians.

I would honestly say the poor Dominicans and Mexicans are happier.

Good point.

The people I met in Laos or Indonesia who had a fraction of what we have seemed more content and happy then most the people I know here in England.

It's amazing. Enough cash for a couple beers, few cell phone minutes or maybe a small bottle of some top shelf whiskey and they're dancing in the streets. That's another reason why the girls there are easy to date. They just want to hang out and maybe go to the beach, play 10 bucks on the slot machine or whatever.

[Moma]

(10-19-2012 12:56 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Good point.

The people I met in Laos or Indonesia who had a fraction of what we have seemed more content and happy then most the people I know here in England.

The British and the French love to moan and complain. It seems to be part of their rights. Moan and fuss, moan and fuss..I frequent a British board where they just moan all the time and my French lizard is always criticising and fussing.

I think a life without complaints would bother them.

[Scarecr0w]

(10-19-2012 01:02 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:56 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:52 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:48 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

Well Greeks complain 24/7 and are rude as fuck same with Norwegians.

I would honestly say the poor Dominicans and Mexicans are happier.

Good point.

The people I met in Laos or Indonesia who had a fraction of what we have seemed more content and happy then most the people I know here in England.

It's amazing. Enough cash for a couple beers, few cell phone minutes or maybe a small bottle of some top shelf whiskey and they're dancing in the streets. That's another reason why the girls there are easy to date. They just want to hang out and maybe go to the beach, play 10 bucks on the slot machine or whatever.

Ignorance is bliss my friend...

[Hencredible Casanova]

(10-19-2012 12:20 PM)ManAbout Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 11:12 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

I have family in Europe (including in Stockholm), so I know the differences very well.

Again, these are all your own personal observations, and they are valid, to you. But, to the rest, an empirical study that weighs tens of factors, across hundreds of cities has more validity and resonance. Nothing against what you have seen and observed, but there is no way that your experiences can match the breadth of this study or many other studies.

There are three different studies here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_mos...ble_cities

And not one US city is in the top 10 of any of those studies. Not one.

Studies like this are meaningless to me and many other people. I've been to a lot of those cities. You couldn't pay me to live in Toronto. Look at how many forum members who live there hate it. You will find way more people from Toronto living in the US than you will find Americans living there. Believe that. Without NATO and the US military presence, most of those European cities would be shitholes due to constant wars.

San Francisco is the highest ranked American city for quality of life, and it's a great place, but for me I wouldn't prefer it over, say, NYC due to the lack of good looking women.

America is still the place to go for opportunity. Not everyone wins but that's precisely the point. Talent and hard work rises. Not everyone will be happy with that system but I know for me I wouldn't want a society where I have to subsidize lazy people who contribute nothing while my opportunities become limited. When was the last time the Greeks invented anything?

[chochemonger1]

(10-19-2012 01:02 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:56 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:52 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:48 PM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-19-2012 12:34 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Also I've spent about a year of my life in Europe and don't remember anyone being happy. I think the word is lazy. They can afford to be lazy.

Don't remember anyone being happy. Where did you spend that year,in a prison?

Well Greeks complain 24/7 and are rude as fuck same with Norwegians.

I would honestly say the poor Dominicans and Mexicans are happier.

Good point.

The people I met in Laos or Indonesia who had a fraction of what we have seemed more content and happy then most the people I know here in England.

It's amazing. Enough cash for a couple beers, few cell phone minutes or maybe a small bottle of some top shelf whiskey and they're dancing in the streets. That's another reason why the girls there are easy to date. They just want to hang out and maybe go to the beach, play 10 bucks on the slot machine or whatever.

Not even that Mechanico. In some countries girls are just happy to come over your air conditioned pad, watch some cable tv, wash your dishes and suck your cock.

[rudebwoy]

(10-19-2012 10:49 AM)ManAbout Wrote:  

Quality of Living Survey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality_of_Living_Survey

Not one US City in the top 10, or top 20, or top 30. Incredible.

All those massive houses and big kitchens do nothing to improve people`s lives at a basic level. Even Canada, America`s poorer and much maligned N American sibling has 3 cities in the top 20. The list is dominated by Europe.


2010 RankCityCountryIndex 2010
1Vienna Austria108.6
2Zurich Switzerland108.0
3Geneva Switzerland107.9
4Vancouver Canada107.4
4Auckland New Zealand107.4
6Düsseldorf Germany107.2
7Frankfurt Germany107.0
7Munich Germany107.0
9Bern Switzerland106.5
10Sydney Australia106.3
11Copenhagen Denmark106.2
12Wellington New Zealand105.9
13Amsterdam Netherlands105.7
14Ottawa Canada105.5
15Brussels Belgium105.4
16Toronto Canada105.3
17Berlin Germany105.0
18Melbourne Australia104.8
19Luxembourg Luxembourg104.6
20Stockholm Sweden104.5

The problem I have with this list is how easy is it for a foreigner to get a decent job in say Austria/Germany/Denmark/Sweden?
USA/Canada is alot better in that regards, however I do laugh when I see Toronto on the list. Besides the retarded women it is an expensive place to live and good paying jobs are becoming scarce.
One on the few things I like about the USA is the entrepreneurial spirit that people have vs alot of Europeans who expect to be spoon fed by the government.

[LoveBug]

One thing I like about the USA from a male perspective is the diversity, it is literally like 31 flavors. Being born and raised in urban California, I am used to every ethnictiy/race of woman around me, it would almost be wierd to be around soloely 1 ethnicty/race continually, but I guess thats preference

[ManAbout]

(10-19-2012 01:14 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

Not everyone will be happy with that system but I know for me I wouldn't want a society where I have to subsidize lazy people who contribute nothing while my opportunities become limited. When was the last time the Greeks invented anything?

So, you find nothing ironic about touting the US as a country that's great for anybody, regardless of their background or culture, while generalizing about Europeans and trashing them as lazy, socialist, cheese eating war mongers?

[BoiBoi]

(10-19-2012 01:23 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

One on the few things I like about the USA is the entrepreneurial spirit that people have vs alot of Europeans who expect to be spoon fed by the government.

This is something I really like about the USA. This and Rap music.