Editor's note

There are many occasions when doing something that makes our lives meaningful appears not to make them happier. The ideal strategy, writes Thaddeus Metz, would be to seek out a life which contains both happiness and meaning at the same time - rather than giving up one in favour of the other.


Some members of the governing African National Congress have accused the South African judiciary of undermining President Jacob Zuma’s executive authority. A court has ruled that Zuma must provide reasons for sacking his former finance minister. The president has challenged the ruling, arguing that he has the executive authority to hire and fire ministers as he wishes. But, argues Mashupye Maserumule, Zuma is being disingenuous because the court’s decision was simply underscoring the fact that the country is a constitutional democracy and that its executive must account for its decisions.

 

Charles Leonard

Arts & Culture Editor

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Happiness and meaning in life: The sweet spot where they meet

Thaddeus Metz, University of Johannesburg

The best sort of life would include both happiness and meaningfulness. Although one sometimes has to choose between these two values, one ought to strive for a life in which there's plenty of both.

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    Blessing Mberu, African Population and Health Research Center; Kanyiva Muindi, African Population and Health Research Center; Patricia Elungata, McGill University

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