Ruut Veenhoven
Published in Dutch in 'Rekenschap' (Humanistic journal for science and culture), 1999, vol
46, pp. 83-95
ABSTRACT
Conceptions of the good society tend to stress moral ideals such as piety, freedom and
equality. Livability is mostly a minor concern. In humanism, man is said to be paramount,
hence humanists should be concerned about liveability of society. Yet liveability is not a
big theme in humanistic thought.
Therefore, this paper explores that issue. Firstly it considers what liveability is, how
it can be measured. Secondly it assesses how well people thrive in societies that fit best
with the humanistic ideal of self-direction, that is in modern individualistic nation.