A recent American study claimed that the happier you are as a teenager, the more likely you are to earn more as an adult.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences looked at the ability of teenagers to express positive emotions in school and returned to find out their financial situation 10 years later. The findings? The happiest of the lot earned up to $8,000 (Dh29,380) more than their pessimistic counterparts.

This week, we put this finding to debate. Here are the statements that will be raised:

• Happier people are more likely to be rich.
• People who constantly smile are considered pushovers.
• Problem solving is easier when you have a serious disposition.
• Happiness cannot be taught, it is a natural instinct.