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.
Jul-31-2010 18:02
WittyHandle
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jun 2008
Location:
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.
Jul-31-2010 18:07
shaw
RIP
Registered: Jan 2005
Location: Intergalactic Mimosa Station
Re: Re: Happiness
quote:
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.
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.
Jul-31-2010 18:13
Intellekshual
tranceaddict in training
Registered: Dec 2011
Location: Oubliette
quote:
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.
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The only hard feelings should be in your pants
Jul-31-2010 18:23
WittyHandle
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jun 2008
Location:
I envy you
Jul-31-2010 18:24
igottaknow
PerfectTeeth R4 Dinosaurs
Registered: Feb 2001
Location: The Future
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?
Jul-31-2010 18:25
Halcyon+On+On
Liebchen
Registered: Sep 2004
Location: midcoast
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.
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There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Jul-31-2010 18:46
Joss Weatherby
Banned
Registered: May 2008
Location: The Pacific Northwest, of course
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!
Jul-31-2010 19:00
Echo of Silence
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Sep 2003
Location: corner of the garden
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.
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kun med hjertet kan man se rigtigt. Det vęsentlige er usynligt for ųjet.
Jul-31-2010 19:03
SYSTEM-J
IDKFA.
Registered: Sep 2003
Location: Manchester
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.
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
