The Pursuit of Happiness
I was talking to a friend yesterday at lunch and came up with some thoughts on the concept of happiness. They are not fully fleshed out but here is the rough version.
Most people that go off in search of happiness don't find it. Why? Because happiness is not something that can be found by itself. It is the byproduct of other things and usually not the sort of things one does when one pursues it. Happiness comes from contentment with one's surroundings. It comes from the sense of fulfillment of a job well done. It doesn't come from achievement. Getting a promotion won't make you happy. It doesn't come from experience. Doing something fun doesn't cause lasting happiness. It doesn't come from change. Often people use happiness as an excuse to have an affair or get a divorce. Unfortunately, that doesn't work.
To be truly happy, the easiest way is to become content with who you are and what you have. Enjoying the present circumstances is a much more sure route to happiness than the pursuit of anything.
Think I'm on crack? Let me know in the comments.
-Godshatter
Comments
I agree that happiness is a by-product, a side-effect if you will. Contentment seems to be a real impediment to achievement, though. Can I be content with who I am yet still strive to improve? Sure but that must be harder than having just enough discontent to motivate me forward.
How about being happy with what you've done so far but not content to let that be all you do?
It is a difficult balance to explain.
Posted by: director | August 27, 2005 06:56 AM