Exploring the Complexity of Happiness in Modern Life
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Happiness
We're often encouraged to seek happiness, but what does that truly entail?
Photo by Austin Schmid on Unsplash
Adapted from an earlier version on Thinking Ahead. The elusive nature of happiness The common advice is to simply be happy. As the iconic Audrey Hepburn once said, "The most important thing is to enjoy your life — to be happy — it’s all that matters." Yet, this raises a fundamental question: what does happiness really mean? Since Aristotle combined the Greek terms eu and daimonia into eudaimonia (often translated as 'good spirit'), thinkers have sought to unravel its meaning.
However, happiness remains a challenging concept to grasp. What we do seem to understand is that happiness can, to some degree, be cultivated. As novelist and activist Alice Walker reminds us, "Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself." This perspective, however, shifts happiness into a personal obligation, turning it into a target to achieve — often showcased on social media.
This pressure can paradoxically lead to unhappiness. As French philosopher Albert Camus wisely noted: "You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."
Happiness is a complex puzzle.
Section 1.1: A Positive Perspective
Let’s momentarily embrace a positive outlook. In 1998, psychologist Martin Seligman began his presidency at the American Psychological Association by advocating for a focus on ‘positive psychology’. In an article from 2000 co-authored with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, they described it as:
"A science of positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive institutions promises to improve quality of life and prevent the pathologies that arise when life is barren and meaningless."
This approach has sparked a growing interest in the science of happiness, resulting in a wave of self-help resources, including books, podcasts, and courses, all promising insights into achieving lasting happiness.
looks at rising depression and burnout statistics
How effective has this been?
While the intention behind positive psychology is commendable, it has faced critiques, including concerns about positivity illusions, a narrow focus, and the dismissal of negative emotions. These criticisms underscore a vital truth: life is not merely filled with joy and positivity, and ignoring the darker aspects can be detrimental.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Negative Happiness
Much like the distinction between positive and negative freedom articulated by Isaiah Berlin, we can also view happiness through a similar lens.
Positive happiness is about accumulation — awe, love, experiences — anything that enhances our sense of fulfillment. In contrast, negative happiness is about avoidance — steering clear of pain, suffering, and heartbreak. Embracing this duality allows for a more nuanced understanding of happiness, recognizing that acknowledging negativity can be beneficial.
Yet, simply avoiding negativity may not be enough.
Chapter 2: The Complexity of Complete Happiness
In a 2015 article, journalist Jennifer Moss aptly titled "Happiness Isn’t the Absence of Negative Feelings," she defends positive psychology while emphasizing the need for nuance. She asserts:
"We’re not happy when we’re chasing happiness. We’re happiest when we’re not thinking about it, when we’re enjoying the present moment because we’re lost in a meaningful project, working toward a higher goal, or helping someone who needs us."
Furthermore, Moss states:
"Healthy positivity doesn’t mean cloaking your authentic feelings. Happiness is not the absence of suffering; it’s the ability to rebound from it. And happiness is not the same as joy or ecstasy; happiness includes contentment, well-being, and the emotional flexibility to experience a full range of emotions."
We’re inching closer to a fuller understanding, yet it seems we may never fully grasp it.
Closing Thoughts: Embracing the Journey of Happiness
Perhaps the quest for understanding happiness is less about definition and more about the ability to experience it. While there’s a prevalent focus on individual agency in achieving happiness, we cannot overlook the societal and cultural contexts that either facilitate or hinder this pursuit. Additionally, biological factors may also play a role in how individuals experience happiness.
Or perhaps I am overcomplicating matters. Maybe the answer is simpler. As Anne Frank wisely wrote, "Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy."
This video, "The Problem Of Happiness In The Modern World," explores the challenges we face in our pursuit of happiness amidst contemporary pressures and expectations.
The second video, "The Problem with Happiness," delves into the misconceptions and societal norms that shape our understanding of happiness today.