Happiness. It is not measurable, profitable, nor tradable. Yet, above all else in the world, it is what people seek. They want to have happiness, and want to know they have a lot of it. But happiness, like air or water, is a hard thing to grasp in one’s hand. It is intangible. Happiness plays an important and necessary role in the lives of people around the world. Perhaps the most curious and interesting phrase ever put into a public document is the „Pursuit of Happiness“. In America, happiness has been engrained in our brains since Thomas Jefferson penned these famous words in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Since then, people from all over the world have been engaged in that act: pursuing happiness. But what exactly is true happiness? Is it just a feeling? Why do so many people seek happiness, what are the sources? Are we born with it already? What makes us happy and what doesn’t? Does it make sense to effort happiness at all? If yes, how can it be obtained? These are the topics I will cover within the scope of this study paper below.
Table of Contents
- Some definitions of happiness
- Why do so many people seek happiness and what are the sources?
- What makes us happy and what doesn't?
- Aristotle's "The Nicomachean Ethics"
Objectives and Key Themes
This study paper explores the multifaceted nature of happiness, examining its definition, sources, and factors that contribute to or detract from it. It investigates the role of genetics, life circumstances, and personal choices in shaping happiness levels. The paper also delves into the concept of happiness as a lifelong pursuit and explores philosophical perspectives, particularly Aristotle's views on happiness as a central purpose of human life.
- Defining Happiness: Exploring various interpretations and subjective experiences of happiness.
- Sources of Happiness: Investigating the contributions of genetics, life circumstances, and personal choices.
- Factors Influencing Happiness: Examining the impact of material wealth, relationships, and personal actions.
- Happiness as a Lifelong Pursuit: Considering happiness not as a destination, but as an ongoing process.
- Philosophical Perspectives on Happiness: Exploring Aristotle's views and their contemporary relevance.
Chapter Summaries
Some definitions of happiness: This section presents diverse perspectives on happiness, highlighting its subjective nature. It juxtaposes definitions from various sources, including Wikipedia, Mahatma Gandhi, Aristotle, Denis Waitley, and Margaret Lee Runbeck, demonstrating the lack of a single, universally accepted definition. This sets the stage for the subsequent exploration of happiness as a complex and personal experience, rather than a quantifiable or easily defined concept.
Why do so many people seek happiness and what are the sources?: This section explores the reasons behind the universal pursuit of happiness and identifies its sources. It highlights studies demonstrating the positive correlation between happiness and various aspects of life, including physical health, relationships, financial success, productivity, and creativity. The section introduces the three main sources of happiness: genetics (50%), life circumstances (10%), and personal choices (40%), based on Sonja Lyubomirsky's research. This establishes the foundation for the later discussion of the control individuals have over their own happiness levels.
What makes us happy and what doesn't?: This chapter analyzes factors influencing happiness, challenging common assumptions. It reveals that while material wealth is important to a point (meeting basic needs), accumulating more wealth beyond a certain threshold does not necessarily lead to increased happiness. The chapter introduces the concept of the "hedonic treadmill," explaining how people adapt to new circumstances, eventually returning to a baseline level of happiness. Conversely, it emphasizes the significant role of strong relationships, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, physical activity, rest, and mindfulness in fostering happiness and well-being.
Aristotle's "The Nicomachean Ethics": This section delves into Aristotle's philosophy of happiness, emphasizing its enduring relevance. It highlights Aristotle's key questions about the ultimate purpose of human existence and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. The section contrasts Aristotle's view of happiness as a comprehensive life goal encompassing physical and mental well-being with the more transient understanding of happiness as mere pleasurable sensations. The chapter emphasizes Aristotle's pioneering concept of a "science of happiness" and its implications for understanding lasting fulfillment.
Keywords
Happiness, well-being, subjective experience, genetics, life circumstances, personal choices, material wealth, relationships, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, mindfulness, Aristotle, hedonic treadmill, purpose, fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this study paper?
This study paper explores the multifaceted nature of happiness, examining its definition, sources, and factors that contribute to or detract from it. It investigates the role of genetics, life circumstances, and personal choices in shaping happiness levels, and explores philosophical perspectives, particularly Aristotle's views on happiness as a central purpose of human life.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining happiness subjectively, identifying sources of happiness (genetics, life circumstances, personal choices), examining factors influencing happiness (material wealth, relationships, personal actions), understanding happiness as a lifelong pursuit, and exploring philosophical perspectives on happiness, primarily Aristotle's views.
How does the paper define happiness?
The paper acknowledges the subjective nature of happiness, presenting diverse perspectives from various sources. It highlights the lack of a single, universally accepted definition, emphasizing the complexity and personal experience of happiness rather than a quantifiable concept.
What are the sources of happiness according to the paper?
The paper identifies three main sources of happiness: genetics (50%), life circumstances (10%), and personal choices (40%), based on Sonja Lyubomirsky's research. This highlights the significant influence of personal choices on happiness levels.
What factors contribute to or detract from happiness?
The paper explores various factors. While material wealth is important to a certain extent (meeting basic needs), accumulating more wealth beyond that point doesn't necessarily increase happiness. Strong relationships, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, physical activity, rest, and mindfulness are emphasized as significant contributors to happiness and well-being. The "hedonic treadmill" concept is also introduced, explaining how people adapt to new circumstances, eventually returning to a baseline level of happiness.
What is the significance of Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" in the paper?
The paper delves into Aristotle's philosophy of happiness, emphasizing its enduring relevance. It highlights Aristotle's views on the ultimate purpose of human existence and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Aristotle's concept of happiness as a comprehensive life goal, encompassing physical and mental well-being, is contrasted with the more transient understanding of happiness as mere pleasurable sensations. The paper emphasizes Aristotle's pioneering concept of a "science of happiness" and its implications for understanding lasting fulfillment.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for chapters on different definitions of happiness, the reasons people seek happiness and its sources, factors that influence happiness (positive and negative), and a detailed exploration of Aristotle's perspective on happiness as presented in "The Nicomachean Ethics".
What are the keywords associated with this study paper?
Keywords include: Happiness, well-being, subjective experience, genetics, life circumstances, personal choices, material wealth, relationships, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, mindfulness, Aristotle, hedonic treadmill, purpose, fulfillment.
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This comprehensive language preview provides a concise overview of the study paper's contents, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use, facilitating analysis of the paper's themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Josefine Rother (Author), 2015, Pursuit of happiness. Diverse Views of the Meaning of Happiness, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/383690
