是什么让我们幸福?

　　in recent years, researchers have attempted to use a variety of statistics and surveys to answer a question thats occupied countless generations of philosophers: what makes us truly happy?

　　while some evidence suggests that happiness may be linked, in part, to relative wealthhow were doing compared to those around usoverall the old adage that money doesnt buy happiness seems to hold true.we are materially so much better off than we were 50 years ago, but were not one iota happier, says chris peterson, a psychology professor at the university of michigan.thats no surprise to happiness expert david myers, who sees happiness as more closely correlated with people rather than things. we humans have a deep need to belongto connect with others in close, supportive, intimate, caring relationships, he says. people who have such close relationships are more likely to report themselves very happy.

　　weve compiled a list of seven factors that influence rates of happiness and depression. many of these factors vary from city to city and region to region. heres your chance to see how your city compares.