Introduction to the Science of Happinometry:
Happinometry is the science which attempts to identify the factors which contribute to - or detracts from - our happiness. The core of this science is the Happinometry Equation,

H = J - F – E

Happiness (H) equals the Positive Happiness Elements (J), minus the Physical Miseries (F) minus the Emotional Miseries (E).

This equation tries to help each individual to determine for himself or herself as to which factors are contributing to his or her happiness, and how strong these parameters are.

Everyone is familiar with thermometers which we use to measure our body temperature. To my knowledge, there is no instrument that measures one's happiness or miseries. It would be nice to have such a device. If there were one, everyone could use it to determine how happy or miserable he or she is for a day, or for any other given period.

While there is no instrument to measure happiness uniformly, perhaps it is possible for each of us to evaluate our own state of well - being through what I would like to call a HAPPINOMETER. This device is nothing more than the above equation.

Having an equation rather than an instrument to evaluate something, such as property or state, is not new to science. If you have studied physics or engineering in college, you know that there is no instrument to measure the physical property called entropy. For properties such as temperature and pressure, we do have instruments, but not for entropy. However, there are equations by which we can evaluate its magnitude, or its change, in a thermodynamic process. So, here too, we can use an equation to evaluate our state of well - being.

Just as thermometers need to be calibrated to give us uniform and consistent results, our new device also needs to be calibrated. To do that, we need to specify minimum and maximum values for each category and element in the three main categories of positive happiness element (J), negative physical elements (F), and negative emotional elements (E). These calibrations or values will indicate element's relative importance in evaluating the state of happiness at any given time.

To accomplish this calibration, I have arbitrarily selected zero for the minimum value of all elements, with various points representing the maximum values for each element. Round numbers were chosen to make the evaluation process easier. I should add that these values, just as the parameters identified above as contributing to happiness, are based mostly on my own experience and, as such, represent my own belief. I have not completed any scientific research toward finding out what the majority of people in a society consider to be significant factors in their happiness, or what their relative merits are. You are most welcome to choose different values for these terms, values that align with your own experience, if you feel they more accurately represent the various factors` significance.