MODERN society is going to hell. Mental well-being is worsening. The cause, according to Oliver James in Affluenza, is the virus of materialism. This virus is particularly prevalent in the US, where everyone looks over their shoulder and wants to be richer than their neighbours. Denmark, by contrast, is organised more sensibly, is less unequal, and is therefore happier. We should aim to be like the Danes, says James.
On one thing he is right. There is evidence that all is not well. Mental health in the UK is getting worse, according to an annual survey of 10,000 Britons analysed…
