What’s Wrong With the Pursuit of Happiness?
The modern obsession with happiness is a relatively recent phenomenon, driven by the idea that happiness should be the ultimate goal and aim of our lives. But this philosophy falls short when it comes to actually achieving happiness. It fails to recognise that happiness can only exist within a larger context of meaningful and purposeful living.
Happiness may come from achieving goals, but it's also rooted in something much deeper – a sense of meaning, connection, and self-growth. Perhaps a healthier way to look at the pursuit of happiness should not be an end unto itself; rather, it should be part of a life rooted in values that help create a more fulfilling existence.
By taking an expansive view on happiness, we can begin to cultivate lasting joy and peace instead of aiming for momentary satisfaction. We must recognise that happiness doesn't come from things outside ourselves – it comes from within.
And as such, we may be better served by looking beyond materialistic pursuits and instead focus on developing relationships, cultivating personal growth and expanding our knowledge. This is what can truly lead to happiness and a meaningful life - not fleeting moments of pleasure or superficial recognition.
By understanding happiness as something more than just pleasure, we can begin to embrace a philosophy that puts meaning before pleasure. We must strive to live with purpose, compassion, and integrity in order to experience happiness that transcends our modern obsession with the pursuit of happiness. The path to happiness lies within each of us – let’s take control of our happiness by embracing a philosophy that puts meaning before pleasure. Only then will we find true happiness.
We can look to ancient Greek, Indian and Chinese philosophers for insight on happiness. The Ancient Greeks argued that happiness is derived from living a purposeful life in harmony with nature and society. The Indian tradition of Vedanta claims that happiness comes from finding the divine within ourselves. Meanwhile, Chinese philosophy emphasises the importance of balance between yin and yang energies as a means to achieving happiness.
Ultimately, true happiness lies in understanding that happiness doesn’t come from things outside ourselves – it comes from within. By embracing a philosophy of meaningful living, we can move beyond our modern obsession with happiness as an end unto itself and start living happier, more fulfilling lives.
In summery:
Happiness is within:
Pursuing pleasures achieves momentary joy. A life rooted in values that help create a more fulfilling existence will produce long lasting happiness
Relationship with others and self:
Developing meaningful relationships, cultivating personal growth and expanding our knowledge will open up a world of happiness that alludes most
Give it space to happen:
We can move beyond our modern obsession with happiness as an end unto itself by embracing a philosophy of meaningful living.
