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When Im content I consider this happiness.
Contentment means Im okay just as I am,not wanting more pleasure,material things etc. Not jealous or envious. So it does come down to a definition of happiness. For some people its constantly searching for a high. For me the high is found in many strange ways,helping friends,strangers,writing,preparing a special meal or a plain one my family enjoys....
posted by
proc
on April 13, 2007 at 3:25 AM
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editormum
I think "happiness" without specific definitions skewers the question. Yes, I know what happiness means to me and I can proudly say achieving that state is indeed my ultimate goal in life. Here's why. I can't think of one instance, one situation, one series of events in my life where I proceeded with the intent of being
unhappy. Do I only think of myself when setting my happiness goals? No, but I cannot deny the fact that when I do things that make others happy, even if it makes me uncomfortable or less than "happy" in the short term, in the long run, it ultimately makes me happy too. My happiness is so important to me that I'm willing to sacrifice experiencing it "now" in order to get it "later." The pig analogy is wonderful for describing the irresponsibility often resulting from instant gratification, or for a lack of ambition, or the lack of desire for personal growth, but it really doesn't work for describing "happiness" as a blanket term.
posted by
Talion
on April 12, 2007 at 9:51 PM
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I got on this train of thought a while back...
I think the balance lies in what constitutes happiness. If it is having fine things and great comfort for one's self, it is a matter of greed and selfishness, but if happiness comes in the shape of the well-being of others, then it is altruism to pursue it.
posted by
Ciel
on April 12, 2007 at 5:36 PM
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Excellent post .
posted by
afzal50
on April 12, 2007 at 5:30 PM
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