This is tone-deaf pop psychology at its worst. Anyone who truly understands "happiness" doesn't strive for happiness as an end unto itself. Happiness is an emotion, a fleeting feeling; good luck defining "happiness" as a concrete thing that ten people can agree on.
Religions and allied philosophies do not attempt to offer unadulterated "happiness" to practitioners. Instead, you can strive toward "joy", and "peace", and "contentment", and things like that. And yes, it is definitely possible for a human being to achieve contentment and peace in this life, the kind which brings an enduring and impreturbable joy. I have known people like this. There really is truth behind the saying "Whoever believes in Me shall never thirst."
Oh come on dude. A well-reasoned, thoughtful piece blown to bits by your dismissive, mean-spirited, opinion-dressed-as-fact lecture. Why do folks gotta be so hostile?
It's junk science, published in a business journal which is targeting business leaders. It's exactly the kind of people who will eat up pop-psych quackery with a spoon and a shit-eating grin on their faces.
> In fact, neuroscience shows that the act of seeking itself, rather than the goals we realize, is key to satisfaction.
This contradicts the title. It just says that we need goals to feel happy. Meaningful action is rewarding in itself.
If you do not have goals is probably because you have given away hope, and you are top miserable.
But the title seems to imply that you need more money or equivalent rewards to be happy. I am sure that some people is like that, but that people are not necessarily mentally healthy individuals.
Huh. Just yesterday at the local Pride parade event, I met a guy, looked familiar. "You don't remember me. You bought me lunch when I was new in town, sat with me, listened to me. Gave me $40. I remember you."
Instead of homeless, now he's employed and has a girlfriend. She's a nice lady! Chatted with my wife while we caught up.
Anyway, I felt happy about that. Happy the rest of the day. Nothing more for me in it at all. Kind of the opposite.
I think this is peak happiness for me; giving a little of myself, making a (big or small) positive difference for someone else. I don’t “get” anything back, nor do I want that, but it makes me feel good.
I feel like this is the opposite of my own experience. I was at my happiest when I was renting, had no car, and made enough money to not have to worry about paying the bills.
I was free from responsibilities and obligations that distracted me from spending time with the family, cooking, walking around my city, and the other little things that satisfied me. I didn't need or want any more than that.
9 comments
[ 1127 ms ] story [ 1400 ms ] threadReligions and allied philosophies do not attempt to offer unadulterated "happiness" to practitioners. Instead, you can strive toward "joy", and "peace", and "contentment", and things like that. And yes, it is definitely possible for a human being to achieve contentment and peace in this life, the kind which brings an enduring and impreturbable joy. I have known people like this. There really is truth behind the saying "Whoever believes in Me shall never thirst."
Happiness is good relationship with oneself.
Happiness is knowing that you are loved, and that your love is valued.
Happiness is like the sunshine...
This contradicts the title. It just says that we need goals to feel happy. Meaningful action is rewarding in itself.
If you do not have goals is probably because you have given away hope, and you are top miserable.
But the title seems to imply that you need more money or equivalent rewards to be happy. I am sure that some people is like that, but that people are not necessarily mentally healthy individuals.
Instead of homeless, now he's employed and has a girlfriend. She's a nice lady! Chatted with my wife while we caught up.
Anyway, I felt happy about that. Happy the rest of the day. Nothing more for me in it at all. Kind of the opposite.
Everybody wins. My favorite game.
I was free from responsibilities and obligations that distracted me from spending time with the family, cooking, walking around my city, and the other little things that satisfied me. I didn't need or want any more than that.