Regarding your editorial Happiness is the truth (September 30), happiness does lead to success; it's what positive psychologists teach the world over – empirically derived interventions to increase positive emotions and experiences.
Perhaps the definition of happiness needs clarification – happiness is not only laughing and smiling, it’s also about reaching goals, using one’s skills and talents, being motivated, becoming who one was meant to be, and flourishing as a human being. Of course, happiness can be taught – it’s already in the curriculum of many schools and universities.
Louise Lambert, Abu Dhabi
When my boys are happy they’re more engaged and they absorb more of what I’m teaching. A child’s true inner happiness starts at home, but teachers can definitely make an impact on their happiness as well.
Kadija Muhammad, US
Usually unhappiness follows students from home. Nobody is going to be happy all the time. It’s how you deal with it that needs to be taught. If a child is feeling bad, what can the child do to turn it around? We are all responsible for our own happiness.
Nancy Wilkins, Dubai
VW is still the same for me
I've always had bittersweet feelings about VW and the controversy hasn't changed them (VW will ride out the storm, eventually, September 30). I do hope it's a much-needed wake-up call over diesel, though. People are hooked on it because of the economy and its alleged environmental benefits, but it causes more human deaths than petrol – many more – and it's made much worse by the fact that many diesel car owners don't run and maintain their vehicles properly, making even more pollution.
Ben Adamson, Dubai
The West has its own agenda
In reference to Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article Syria is a mess, Mr Obama. Tell me how this ends (September 30), the West surely has had a plan for Syria from the beginning or maybe from decades ago. But those plans are not what you have in mind. End the war?
If it is to their benefit they can do it in no time; if not, they would not move a finger. Unfortunately, the West only destroys, the words build and rebuild do not exist in its dictionary. Look at our region and it is easy to see it.
Sa Reh, Dubai
Rail project is important for us
Good luck to everyone involved with building the Etihad Rail (Etihad Rail moves more than two million tonnes of sulphur to Ruwais, September 30).
Transport is an important area in any country – whether you are transporting goods or people, it is important for growth and development.
Angela P, Dubai
Side by side, they can start a passenger train service that will greatly alleviate our transport woes.
Kennedy Prakash, Dubai
Sulphur can generate a significant income for the UAE. So it’s great news.
Mj Uy, Dubai
Travel in Dubai could be easier
In reference to the news report Early start on Fridays for Metro, change in Tram services (September 28), the reason the tram service runs at a loss is because it's inconvenient.
I’d rather walk than take the tram.
Himash Marcar, Dubai