The current economic crisis gives us all an opportunity to rethink our priorities. What really matters in life?

The endless round of getting and spending, or less tangible things – spending time with friends and family or admiring something beautiful? The National Trust ‘Quality of Life’ Debates aim to stimulate people to think about their deepest values.

• The results of this year's debates
  

The results of this year's debates

'Britain has become indifferent to beauty' - 19 March 2009

362 to 244 votes against the motion

'The secret of happiness lies not in earning more but in consuming less' - 19 June 2009

310 to 257 votes in favour of the motion

'The public footpath - not the country house - is Britain's greatest contribution to civilisation' - 7 November 2009 - AGM

Broadcaster and journalist, Janet Street-Porter moved the motion while the conservationist and campaigner, Marcus Binney led the opposition. Seconders were Christopher Somerville, The Times's walking correspondent, and Clive Aslet, author and former editor of Country Life.

Before the debate, AGM-goers voted as follows: For the Motion 116; Against 32; Don't Know 182. After a lively debate with many contributions from the hall, the outcome was For 161, Against 96, Don't Know 114.

While the motion was carried the 'moral' victory goes to the opposers for converting more support than the movers.