I don't think so. Frankly, I'm getting tired of this soft, fruity baby-boomer rhetoric of do something because it makes you happy. I'd rather be doing what I feel I need to do, regardless if it makes me happy. Like taking care of loved ones even if they are sick. Or fighting a war far away from home. My hapiness is rarely a consideration, but I am happy to be happy when I am.
Is being happy the most important thing in life?
- Thread starter Titan
- Start date
The idea that happiness is all that matters sounds good but it's SELFISH. I agree with you completely.
Like when Christians say they are truly happy and we're not... Well, I'd rather live in a sad reality that matters than my own self centered happy schmappy world.
Like when Christians say they are truly happy and we're not... Well, I'd rather live in a sad reality that matters than my own self centered happy schmappy world.
Helping people you love would generally be something that makes you happy in a way. If it doesnt then im not sure that you love them.
Fighting a war far away from home? What war do you "need" to be fighting?
I wouldn't be happy caring for a sick loved one. I'd be miserable, and rather they were better.
Hypothetically, if I need to fight in a war to protect my life and survival from those who would kill me.
Happy != whatever you want to do
These things wouldn't make you happy? It's a different kind of happy than the short-lived cheap happy you get from say buying yourself a new toy. It's a more fulfilling happiness knowing that you did something you thought was right and gave freely of yourself.
That's the way I look at it at least.
Yes, it is. Not necessarily my own happiness, but the happiness of my wife and children. Which, ultimately, affects my own happiness.
Doing meaningful work/activities is #1 for me. Because it will automatically translate to happiness. 
Yes, being happy IS the most important goal in life. Does that mean a bunch of shallow crap like having a BMW, a big expensive house and a bunch of toys? No. The cool thing about the concept of "The Pursuit of Happiness" is that it adapts to *everyone*, *everywhere* with *any* belief. Whatever will make you happy, you should be free to pursue that, so long as it doesn't involve the direct and intentional harming of others.
For some, happiness is achieved by doing things for others. For others, happiness is achieved through creative expression. For others, happiness comes from discovery. For others, from watching a Hi-Def feed on the latest and greatest HDTV.
The point is, though, that whatever will make *you* happy, you should pursue it.
Jason
What is wrong with being happy? Are you striving for depression? I feel you can be happy AND still do what has to be done. Why do you have to choose one or the other?
I am talking about experiencing the emotion of happiness people. Not exercising freewill.
To me, in life, it is more important to stay alive than be happy. That's the first order of business.
To me, in life, it is more important to stay alive than be happy. That's the first order of business.
id rather be content knowing that ive handled my business and responsibilities than walking around on cloud 9 leaving a wake of whatever at the consequences of others.
then again, that makes me happy and isnt a definition that would fit everyone, obviously.
then again, that makes me happy and isnt a definition that would fit everyone, obviously.
I feel that if you are happy, you don't want to change anything in life.
If you want to change things in life then you are definitely not 100% happy.
If you want to change things in life then you are definitely not 100% happy.
You do realize that being happy can come from accomplishments. Being happy doesn't mean you are some bubbly fellow walking down the street singing in the rain. I find all my happiness comes from my accomplishments. Making grade in the military, taking care of my family, watching my kids grow up, moving to another career after the military, buying a house, etc...
If you can't find happiness in your accomplishments, by all means go join the peace corps and try to find something useful to do.
Everything I do, I do because it's what will make me and my family happy. Why in the world would you do something that wouldn't make you happy? That seems fairly counterproductive to me. As if it won't make you happy, you won't be motivated to give it your full attention.
If you can't find happiness in your accomplishments, by all means go join the peace corps and try to find something useful to do.
Everything I do, I do because it's what will make me and my family happy. Why in the world would you do something that wouldn't make you happy? That seems fairly counterproductive to me. As if it won't make you happy, you won't be motivated to give it your full attention.
I think being happy would be a good thing. I just wish I knew what would make me happy. I guess I am kind of content right now, but not joyous or anything. People have to go through a lot of crap sometimes, so happiness isn't always achievable, but happiness is good. I have had to do things in life that I didn't want to do, but pretty much had to or wanted to at the beginning, but after a while I no longer felt happy doing it. I guess being happy is about options. The more options you have the happier you might be. Perhaps life is about choices. I realize I could be a lot worse off, so I feel better knowing that.
good post. i agree about choices. the times in life that ive been the most down is when i didnt see any other options and felt trapped. i dont think its ever truly that way, as we always have a choice, but nothing worse than feeling youre hands are tied and youre damned if you do, damned if you dont.
Yes, being happy is the most important thing in life. Anybody that says otherwise must be a sorry miserable bastard soul.
Its how you achieve happiness that counts.
For me caring for others brings happiness so caring for a sick loved one would in no way be miserable.
Its how you achieve happiness that counts.
For me caring for others brings happiness so caring for a sick loved one would in no way be miserable.
Wait... the end result of both your scenarios is you being a happier person.
1. Would you be happier when helping a sick loved one, or by ignoring them completely? If the latter is the case, then you obviously do not love them.
2. Would you be happier living or dying?
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