https://fortune.com/2025/05/02/indonesia-flourish-study/
1. Reflections on Flourishing: What Makes a Life Truly Good?
1.1. A Fresh Perspective from the Global Study
A new five-year study by Harvard and Baylor finds that Indonesia tops the global chart for “flourishing”.
That’s not about wealth — it’s about a full, good life: purpose, health, social ties, meaning.
In fact, countries with strong religious and community life beat wealthier, secular nations.
1.2. The UK: Wealth Without Warmth?
Yes, rich nations rank well for financial security.
But the UK example hits home:
Middle class, with income — yet stressed, anxious, cramped, often isolated.
High mobility means people live far from their roots.
Public spaces can feel hostile.
A lack of spirituality or shared cultural rituals leaves people adrift.
Many young people, struggling to find accommodation and start a family, feel the pressure — financial strain is real, even when incomes look decent on paper.
1.3. Indonesia’s Secret: Faith and Fellowship
Indonesia’s top score wasn’t due to GDP — but because three-quarters of people attend religious services weekly.
That’s a stunning level of regular, community-based meaning.
Faith gives rhythm, connection, and purpose — something missing in many Western societies.
1.4. The Age Factor in Flourishing
The study also found that happiness follows a kind of age curve:
Young adults and older people report more flourishing.
Middle-aged working adults often report less.
Makes sense:
Long hours.
Family pressures.
Moving away from your roots for work.
Not much time or space to reflect or connect.
1.5. Faith-Filled Nations Flourish
The top-ranking countries were all high in religiosity.
That may be the real driver behind the numbers:
Faith brings structure, meaning, community.
It also helps people find dignity in hardship — not just comfort in wealth.
2. Final Thought
This study reminds us to ask: what really matters in life?
If the goal is not just to live, but to flourish, then wealth alone won’t get us there.
Perhaps it’s time we in the West rediscovered a bit more faith — in each other, in community, and connect with something higher.
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