Stella Hudson posed an intriguing question in The Bahai Chairs’ recent Book Discussion: Infrastructure, Well-being, and the Measurement of Happiness. She inquired what the true meaning of happiness is and asked what it meant in the context of the edited volume.

It was such an exciting opportunity to speak with the editors of the recently published volume “Infrastructure, Well-being, and the Measurement of Happiness.” I sat down on Zoom with contributors Hoda Mahmuodi, Jenny Roe, and Kate Seaman. They shared their insight into the origins of the volume and how it came together, as well as delving into the contents, highlighting why happiness is an emerging measure for well-being, climate change, systemic injustice, and the communities around us.

The next lecture we are going to be looking back on is the Annual lecture from 2020, "Conversation on Climate Science, Policy & Justice with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson." Dr. Johnson answers questions about her book in a conversation moderated by Drs. Hoda Mahmoudi and Rashawn Ray. She describes the frustration of seeing a small group of white men being considered thought leaders in climate change. However, she knew that most women who are doing the most important climate work don't have time to take a break and write a book, one of the most traditional paths to thought leadership.

Given the ongoing protests and struggles in Iran, I am beginning our read along with Prof. Mahmoudi’s chapter. It feels particularly relevant in our contemporary moment to discuss how women in Iran have and continue to strive for equality. The chapter is titled “Difficult Care: Examining Women’s Efforts in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and examines the ongoing struggle of Iranian women since the 1979 revolution through the lens of care ethics.