MEASURING WHAT TRULY MATTERS

GROSS DOMESTIC SUFFERING

A revolutionary economic metric for a more compassionate world

"...despite job gains we're in the midst of a huge increase in national misery."

- Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize-winning economist

The New York Times, September 2020

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"GDP measures everything, except that which makes life worthwhile."

- Robert F. Kennedy

Speech at the University of Kansas, March 18, 1968

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GDP "omits domestic labour and other unpaid work, includes a great deal of economic activity that may be harmful to individuals, society or the environment, and is insensitive to inequality."

- Joseph Stigliz, Amartya Sen, Jean Paul Fitoussi

"Mis-Measuring Our Lives: Why GDP Doesn't Add Up (The Report of the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress)

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Beyond GDP: A New Economic Paradigm

For too long, nations have measured success by GDP growth while ignoring the human cost. Gross Domestic Suffering (GDS) flips the script by measuring what truly matters - the reduction of human misery.

While GDP celebrates production regardless of consequences, GDS reveals the hidden suffering behind economic statistics. Our comprehensive index combines 11 key indicators across healthcare, social welfare, justice systems, and human rights to provide a more honest picture of national well-being.

"What if we prioritized minimizing suffering rather than maximizing profit?"

The GDS Framework

Unlike GDP, which treats all economic activity as positive regardless of impact, GDS recognizes that true prosperity means ending preventable suffering.

Rethinking National Success

When we measure the wrong things, we get the wrong outcomes.

Nations with impressive GDP figures often hide shocking levels of suffering. The United States ranks 59th globally in minimizing suffering - behind countries with far fewer resources - due to high incarceration rates, mental health crises, and inadequate healthcare access.

By measuring suffering directly, we create accountability for the human impact of economic policies. GDS provides clear direction for policymakers: focus first on ending preventable misery rather than driving consumption at any cost.

The path to genuine prosperity starts with acknowledging where we're failing our most vulnerable.

Key Insights

  • GDP growth often masks underlying social problems
  • Wealth doesn't guarantee wellbeing
  • True progress requires measuring human impact
  • Policy decisions must prioritize human welfare

About the GDS Initiative

The Gross Domestic Suffering index was developed by economists and social scientists committed to measuring what truly matters for human wellbeing.

Building on the work of happiness economists and alternatives like Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, GDS offers a practical, data-driven framework for evaluating economic success through the lens of human suffering.

Our methodology is transparent, regularly updated, and open to refinement as we work with governments, NGOs, and researchers worldwide.

"We believe minimizing suffering is the foundation upon which all other forms of prosperity must be built."

Expert Team

Leading economists and social scientists

Data-Driven

Rigorous methodology and analysis

Global Impact

Working with organizations worldwide

GDS REVEALS WHAT GDP CONCEALS

Nordic Leadership

Nordic countries lead in minimizing suffering through strong social supports

US Ranking

The United States ranks 59th globally despite its high GDP, primarily due to healthcare failures, mental health crises, and mass incarceration

Developing Nations

Many developing nations outperform wealthy countries by prioritizing basic needs and community wellbeing

GDP Limitations

High GDP often masks severe inequality, poor health outcomes, and environmental degradation

Join the Movement

The GDS Index is challenging economic orthodoxy and redefining success for nations worldwide.

Explore the interactive global rankings
Compare your country's performance across all indicators
Download our comprehensive methodology report
Sign up for quarterly GDS updates

Together, we can build economies that prioritize human dignity over abstract growth metrics.