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Happiness

Very general (and kind of random question) but I as wondering what you guys have to say:

Do you think that happiness, as a general state of being, is something that one should have to work towards, or do you think that it is a right that everybody has and that no matter what stage of life you're at, you should always be happy? Basically, is happiness something you must earn or is it something that each and every one of us should experience all the time? Have you ever gone through long periods of being unhappy with your life only because you knew that eventually things would be better? (and I'm not talking about going to school).

Discuss.

Re: Happiness

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 do you think that it is a right that everybody has and that no matter what stage of life you're at, you should always be happy?

You should always have the right to be happy... Not that everyone always is...

Re: Re: Happiness

quote:

Originally posted by The17sss

Well barring any events that would temporarily lead you to feel otherwise, like the death of a loved one, etc...

Happiness is not a right. It is a reward.

lots of people don't really want to be happy. they may say they do, but they thrive on drama and misery thanks to their own personal issues and insecurities. they wouldn't know what to do if they actually were happy.

quote:

Originally posted by Echo of Silence Happiness is not a right. It is a reward.

Well that's the kind of response I'm looking for. I'd be interested in knowing why you feel this way, if you have the time to elaborate.

People often confuse entitlements (rights), privileges, and rewards.

You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.

Re: Happiness

If it's an entitlement, how do you enforce your claim?

Re: Happiness

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 do you think that it is a right that everybody has and that no matter what stage of life you're at, you should always be happy?

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE

I also believe that the pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness.

Here is some food for thought: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace.. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people.. hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them...The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

Re: Happiness

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 Do you think that happiness, as a general state of being, is something that one should have to work towards, or do you think that it is a right that everybody has and that no matter what stage of life you're at, you should always be happy? Basically, is happiness something you must earn or is it something that each and every one of us should experience all the time?

Neither. Happiness is a means, not an end. Your subjective perception of happiness is just your brain adapting itself to new information about the outcomes associated with certain behaviors or external phenomena, based on preexisting mental states regarding the subjective value associated with those outcomes and the estimated probabilities of their manifestation.

To be happy all of the time would undermine the biological function of happiness and most likely place the affected organism on the fast track to decomposition.

On the other hand, the idea that happiness ought to be some sort of reward that is earned through meritorious activity is a bit closer to the mark, but it misconstrues happiness as something to be actively aspired towards, when in fact it is a utilitarian tool which should be passively experienced in the pursuit of more tangible objectives.

quote:

Have you ever gone through long periods of being unhappy with your life only because you knew that eventually things would be better? (and I'm not talking about going to school).

In either case, no, but I think there's an important distinction to be drawn between the moment-to-moment experience of being happy or unhappy and a person's more general level of satisfaction in their perception of their life and its expected trajectory.

I think a huge amount of it has to do with how you are wired mentally, but for those without negative mental conditions instilled in them at birth it is largely a choice. I was largely unhappy during my teenage years (I know, who isn't), but there came a time when I said that's it, I'm going to be happy. I made it my goal, and when choices came up I asked myself "will this make me happy?". From that point on, I could see that being consciously aware of my goals was key if I were to achieve them. I think that many people live their lives reacting to subconscious motives that lead to unhappiness.

One question I continued to ask myself was is it better to be happy with where you are and what you have and enjoy it or be unhappy with them so that you can set goals to improve them. If you choose the latter, can you set a point at which you will be happy, or will you perpetually live in unhappiness pursuing a goal that will always elude you? I think the people who really succeed are the ones who can set a goal and attain it, knowing when to stop and smell the roses.

Re: Re: Happiness

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Originally posted by Capitalizt If it's an entitlement, how do you enforce your claim?

From the Home Page, I choose my state, then answer a few more questions. Based on my choices, the system has returned options. The first points out that I may be eligible for health insurance that comes with a job--either my own or my spouse's. The second option is to explore the market for individual insurance options in my area. So let's try that. I'll plug in my Chicago zip code, and it shows me all available private plans. On this form, there will be even more details, like pricing information, to help you better compare your options. The page also shows you information about insurance markets in your state, and how it will improve as we continue to implement the law. You'll also find information on new benefits and consumer protections.

quote:

Originally posted by Enigmatik I also believe that the pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness. Here is some food for thought: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace.. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people.. hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them...The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

I think that largely depends on your natural disposition. Extroverts usually have less difficulty attaining the tangible displays of happiness but crave inner peace, while introverts have an easier time keeping a peaceful interior, but have to stretch to make the outside world work for them. Either way, we all strive for what we lack naturally.

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Originally posted by WittyHandle I think that largely depends on your natural disposition. Extroverts usually have less difficulty attaining the tangible displays of happiness but crave inner peace, while introverts have an easier time keeping a peaceful interior, but have to stretch to make the outside world work for them. Either way, we all strive for what we lack naturally.

I'm an ambivert.

I envy you

People are under the mistaken notion they must do something to be happy. You just need learn to stop blocking it. The Chinese have a saying "when the eye is unobstructed the result is sight, when the ear is unobstructed the result is hearing, etc." It be like asking what do I need to do to see?

quote:

Originally posted by Enigmatik Here is some food for thought: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace.. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people.. hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them...The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

I'm still quite hungry.

quote:

Originally posted by igottaknow People are under the mistaken notion they must do something to be happy. You just need learn to stop blocking it. The Chinese have a saying "when the eye is unobstructed the result is sight, when the ear is unobstructed the result is hearing, etc." It be like asking what do I need to do to see?

A post from IGK not about raping children or being old and creepy... .and on top of that relevant and insightful.


Nou is NOT happy!

quote:

Originally posted by Enigmatik I also believe that the pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness. Here is some food for thought: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace.. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people.. hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them...The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

I agree with this.

Happiness definitely comes from within.

I do think it is a reward, though.

In my head, contentment can come from within at no cost but real happiness comes as a reward.

It's probably the way I was raised.

The OP implies there is some sort of cosmic authority that controls the amount of happiness in the world and who it goes to. I can't see happiness as a right because there is nobody controlling it and ensuring fairness and justice. Like almost everything in life worth having, happiness doesn't often come easily. If it did, it wouldn't be worth anything at all.

quote:

Originally posted by Enigmatik I also believe that the pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness. Here is some food for thought: People spend a lifetime searching for happiness, looking for peace.. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people.. hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them...The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

Hey, life's all about the journey, not the destination

quote:

Originally posted by The17sss Hey, life's all about the journey, not the destination

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