While most economists measure a country by its wealth, we highlighted a brave few who are challenging that idea (“Does Happiness Have Economic Value?” Sept. 7). You had plenty of suggestions for what we should measure to track the well-being of a nation, its people and the environment.

Love, joy, happiness, bliss, fun, ecstasy.

Paul J. Hannig, Ph.D., author of “Feeling People,” Chatsworth, California

Could there be an algorithm to measure fourth graders’ educational success, as well as the number of available and affordable rentals, the time spent to secure a job, attendance at houses of worship, and outdoor recreational time?

Mark G., Soulsbyville, California

Let’s measure the amount of green growth per square mile, the amount of preserved old forest and wilderness, access to nature, access to clean water and animal welfare; education, job, and spiritual satisfaction; connection to social networks and opportunities for cross-generational engagement; and availability of mental health services. And let’s not forget levels of community violence, levels of domestic violence, and the number of children in foster care and on social services lists.

Susan G., Annandale, Virginia

When we wrote that your lack of motivation at work might really be your boss’s fault (“Science: It Really Is Your Boss’s Fault,” Sept. 5) you had this to say:

Whenever the employee executes a task or a project exceedingly well, the employer must not hesitate to immediately applaud the employee’s performance in front of their colleagues. Doing so will certainly boost the employee's morale. And a motivated employee is a boon for any company!

Ashok M., Toronto, Canada

We reported from Indian-administered Kashmir, where people turn to canine and feline companions to withstand the trauma they have witnessed (“In Kashmir, Pets Are Lifeline to Mental Health,” Sept. 25). You wrote overwhelmingly that you, too, rely on animal kinship.

How do I count the ways … pets are the definition of love, peace, gentleness and kindness.

Dolly O., Desert Hot Springs, California

There is more happiness in giving than in receiving. I love to lavish affection on my sweet and soft kitty. His contented purrs make me feel appreciated and give me at least one thing each day that I know I am doing right.

Raele O., Austin, Texas

I suffer from severe anxiety after a traumatic brain injury in 2009 and a stroke recently in May 2022. I have trained my Yorkie as a psychiatric service animal so she can go anywhere with me. Being around people, other than family, is a trigger for me, so having Taffy trained in methods to calm me is essential. Just her lying on my lap can alleviate what could become a panic attack.

Ruth B., Green Bay, Wisconsin

So much love and comfort and happiness all the time. My daughter passed away 5 years ago. My dog knew and was by my side constantly for comfort. I don’t know what I would have done without him to hold and snuggle. I will never be without a dog.

Becky C., Taylorsville, Utah

When my husband died in March, I had my two cats, Andy and Little Bit. Without them I would not have gotten up in the morning. They wait patiently by the bedroom door each morning to greet me. They give me a reason to keep living after the death of my husband of 33 years.

Sue, Mossyrock, Washington

We reported on the Berlin tour guide from Syria who survived two civil wars, human smugglers and state surveillance — and then designed a walking tour that interweaves German and Syrian history (“See Berlin Through Syrian Eyes,” Sept. 21). You overwhelmingly said you’d like to go on Mohamad’s tour. But when we asked if such a thing would work where you live, you had this to say:

We offer historical tours every fall here in northeastern Connecticut, and they highlight topics like the hidden history of African American farmers and tradespeople here in the 19th century. The tours are excellent, led by local historians, but only a handful of people participate. Stretching the topic to include more recent migrants and their stories? Maybe a bridge too far. In general, U.S. citizens are distressingly uninterested in the rest of the world.

Barbara W., Willimantic, Connecticut

We wrote about Ukrainian women who are keeping families together after facing war, leaving behind their spouses and dodging sex traffickers (“Refugee Nation of Single Moms Holds Strong,” Sept. 6). You had this to say:

A lot was done to help Ukrainian refugees secure housing. Six months later, a lot of them are being asked to move on. Public housing is saturated. Landlords are reluctant to rent to refugees. I think the most important thing is to now find longer-term housing. Meanwhile, refugees from other countries — who may have waited years already for their cases to be heard — are protesting that Ukrainians get to jump the queue. There needs to be some equalization of treatment of the different groups.

Monica S., Brussels, Belgium

Develop empathy for refugees and then take concrete, specific steps to offer them safety, quality shelter, access to medical care as well as sincerely welcoming them into our communities. It means giving their well-being the same priority we give to ourselves. Look for ways to become involved in qualified group efforts on their behalf. Be aware these tasks may be for the long term.

Mykolas K., Texas

on The Carlos Watson Show!

We reported that credit card companies will be adding a merchant category code for firearms vendors (“Gun Sales Will Be Tracked With Credit Cards,” Sept. 16), a measure that is intended to help law enforcement identify those who commit violent crimes. To protect anonymity, we are including only first names with the following letters.

I have no problem with credit card companies tracking gun purchases. I am about to purchase one for my home. I have nothing to hide and do not see this as an invasion of privacy.

Kurt, Beach Park, Illinois

I think they should track the sale of guns, and law enforcement should be able to access such information. Credit card companies are tracking everything we buy and often selling that information to numerous companies. I get six robo calls a day — obviously my info is out there, so let's make our country safer by tracking those who buy guns.

Connie, Keller, Texas

Credit card companies should have no role. Given the number of times company databases have been hacked, and their contents sold on the black market to identity thieves, it is only a matter of time until hackers are selling lists of gun owners. When a gun is used in a crime, the authorities can already track its sale by its serial number. This is a cynical PR stunt that carries a real risk to the privacy and well-being of tens of millions of Americans.

Jim, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Credit card companies should have no role whatsoever! Tracking of any kind of purchases should be prohibited. This is supposed to be the land of the free.

Craig, Boise City, Oklahoma

Credit card companies should not track gun sales. In doing so, they are creating a registry that is contrary to our 2nd Amendment rights. Law-abiding citizens will pay cash for their guns. I know I will.

Kathryn, Arbuckle, California

The government shot itself in the foot/wallet again. The gun buyers will use cash and the dealers will report less income and pay less income tax. Poor, stupid government strikes out again.

Bob, Belmar, New Jersey

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