何謂『快樂』呢？韋式字典將它定義成『處於幸福及滿足的狀態中』。若您詢問某人他們的快樂從何而來，他們或許會說從金錢、家人、朋友或是享樂中而得。世上有許多事物等同於快樂。不過研究卻顯示出其實金錢並非其中之一。富裕的國家並沒有比較快樂的國民。奈及利亞和孟加拉是全世界最快樂的兩個國家。不過它們卻擁有一些最貧窮的人民。這樣的情形導致科學家更仔細地審視這個世界以及內含其中的『快樂』。
According to research, people's overall happiness is influenced by their genes3, health, and environment, to name a few. More importantly, scientists believe that happiness is heavily connected to the choices that people make in their everyday lives. They have found that people are paying less attention to their relationships with others in the community4. Instead, they are focusing on their jobs. Scientists believe this is one big reason why people are not as happy as they could be. We need close relationships because they give us feelings of security, love, and comfort. Now, politicians5, economists6, and academics7 are looking at how they can increase happiness in their countries. Figuring out the science of happiness and how to create it may give a country an advantage in today's global society.
研究指出，人們整體的快樂狀態是受到他們的基因、健康及周遭環境等等所影響。更重要的是，科學家相信快樂與人們在日常生活中所做的各項決定有密切關連。他們發現人們越來越不注重他們在群體中的人際關係。他們反而是將所有注意力都放在工作上。科學家認為這是人們無法盡情開心的一大原因。我們需要各種緊密的人際關係，因為它們能為我們帶來安全、戀愛及慰藉感。時至今日，許多政治人物、經濟學家和學者都紛紛探索他們要如何才能增進該國人民的快樂。弄清楚快樂背後的科學和製造快樂之道，或許能使他們國家在這個全球化的社會中佔有優勢。
@Building Your Vocabulary
1. overall a. 全部的，總共的，整體的
The player with the best overall score after eight rounds will become the champion.
在經過八個回合之後，總分數最高的選手將會成為冠軍。
2. influence vt. & n. 影響
The hot summer weather can influence people's moods greatly.
酷熱的夏季氣候會大大影響人們的情緒。
3. security n. 保障；安全
All children need the security of a stable family life.
所有小孩都需要一個穩定的家庭生活所帶來的保障。
4. comfort n. 安慰，慰藉
Mandy often turns to her sister for comfort when she is stressed out or depressed.
當壓力太大或心情沮喪時，曼蒂常會向她姊姊尋求慰藉。
5. global a. 全球的，世界的
The eruption of the volcano affected air travel on a global level.
那座火山的噴發影響了全球的航空運輸。
The player with the best overall score after eight rounds will become the champion.
在經過八個回合之後，總分數最高的選手將會成為冠軍。
2. influence vt. & n. 影響
The hot summer weather can influence people's moods greatly.
酷熱的夏季氣候會大大影響人們的情緒。
3. security n. 保障；安全
All children need the security of a stable family life.
所有小孩都需要一個穩定的家庭生活所帶來的保障。
4. comfort n. 安慰，慰藉
Mandy often turns to her sister for comfort when she is stressed out or depressed.
當壓力太大或心情沮喪時，曼蒂常會向她姊姊尋求慰藉。
5. global a. 全球的，世界的
The eruption of the volcano affected air travel on a global level.
那座火山的噴發影響了全球的航空運輸。
@Phrases for Learning
1. define A as B 將 A 定義∕解釋為 B
Jack's careless behavior is defined as rudeness by some of his co-workers.
有些傑克的同事將他粗心的舉動解讀為魯莽無禮。
2. pay attention to... 注意∕留心……
If you don't pay more attention to your girlfriend, she may break up with you.
如果你不多加關心你的女朋友，她有可能會跟你分手。
3. focus on... 集中焦點∕注意力於……
I can't focus on my studies with all of you playing cards in my room.
你們一群人在我房間裡打牌，我根本就沒辦法專心唸書。
Jack's careless behavior is defined as rudeness by some of his co-workers.
有些傑克的同事將他粗心的舉動解讀為魯莽無禮。
2. pay attention to... 注意∕留心……
If you don't pay more attention to your girlfriend, she may break up with you.
如果你不多加關心你的女朋友，她有可能會跟你分手。
3. focus on... 集中焦點∕注意力於……
I can't focus on my studies with all of you playing cards in my room.
你們一群人在我房間裡打牌，我根本就沒辦法專心唸書。
@Extra Words
1. well-being n. 幸福；健康；舒適
2. contentment n. 滿足，滿意
3. gene n. 基因
4. community n. 群體；社區
5. politician n. 政治人物
6. economist n. 經濟學家
7. academic n. 學者，學究
2. contentment n. 滿足，滿意
3. gene n. 基因
4. community n. 群體；社區
5. politician n. 政治人物
6. economist n. 經濟學家
7. academic n. 學者，學究
@Tips In Use
...the choices that people make in their everyday lives.
（……人們在日常生活中所做的各項決定……）
以下比較 everyday 與 every day 的差別，兩者不能誤用，請各位讀者注意。
1. everyday 為形容詞，僅用於名詞前，表『日常的，每天的』。
It's going to be a casual gathering, so you can just wear your everyday clothes.
（這是個輕鬆的聚會，因此你穿日常衣服出席就好了。）
2. every day 則為時間副詞，表『每天』。
Nick makes it a habit to mop his kitchen floor every day.
（尼克習慣每天都要拖他廚房的地板。）
（……人們在日常生活中所做的各項決定……）
以下比較 everyday 與 every day 的差別，兩者不能誤用，請各位讀者注意。
1. everyday 為形容詞，僅用於名詞前，表『日常的，每天的』。
It's going to be a casual gathering, so you can just wear your everyday clothes.
（這是個輕鬆的聚會，因此你穿日常衣服出席就好了。）
2. every day 則為時間副詞，表『每天』。
Nick makes it a habit to mop his kitchen floor every day.
（尼克習慣每天都要拖他廚房的地板。）
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