Keyword: «happiness»

The article considers social perceptions of well-being in various historical periods. The ideas of happiness of an individual and society in different countries are analyzed within the framework of a historical retrospective. The main theories about well-being that prevail in one or another period of time are given.

In recent decades, one can observe the popularity of the concept of well-being, which represents a full and satisfied life for the individual, a special kind of attitude towards oneself and the environment. Well-being is often associated with physical vitality, mental activity, social support and satisfaction, self-realization, both in personal and professional spheres. This is considered an alternative to a negative way of thinking, destructive defense mechanisms and an inappropriate lifestyle. Social well-being as an important part of well-being is related to our relationships with other people and our sense of security associated with the environment in which we live.