We all want to be happy, is that not so?
What does that even mean? How does being happy look like? Is it a life void of struggle? Is it swimming in a pool of constant pleasure? "If I get this or that, it will make me happy". Why is it that after much pursuit and acquiring that very thing, we tend to feel empty? What then is the hype about?
I believe my generation is obsessed with pursuing happiness, a thing they don't understand. I too wrestle with this concept, so count me in.
Webster defines happiness as a state of well-being and contentment: joy, a pleasurable or satisfying experience. Okay, let's play devil's advocate and go with Webster's definition. My question would be, at what cost? At what cost can we say that one should pursue happiness?
If happiness is such a good thing, why does it often lead to the detriment of the pursuer? A druggie believes getting high will make him happy. The lonely soul believes the next relationship will make her happy. Do we even know what we want? Or could it be that the pursuit of happiness is deeply flawed? It is quite interesting that Jesus, the master teacher, never taught us to pursue happiness. If that were the case, he would have mentioned it.
Popular culture says, "Do what makes you happy." Okay, I now have more questions. What if the thing that makes you happy causes pain and death to others? Are the atrocities of Hitler, Stalin, and Khan justified if they did what made them happy? God forbid!
Yeah, Yeah, Denzel, so what's the alternative?
A good study of history tells us that we are the generation that has it the easiest, yet we are most depressed and aimless. Looking at how our ancestors lived, it seems they had a sense of purpose and lived fuller lives despite the troubles of their age. Compare that to what we have today. Young men lost without a cause to die for. What is there for them to die for, anyway? A sex appeal car and a bottle of whiskey to get the girls? Flip, what a way to live. A change of perspective is needed in that regard.
Okay, back to the alternative. Well, here you go.
- Get your life in order.
- Find a cause to live and die for, a cause outside of self-gratification.
- Help others get their lives in order.
I believe that The Pursuit of Service begets a much fulfilling life.
Yep, there it is. Serve - Serve - Serve others.
Love and Peace
3 comments:
Very powerful piece of art
At what cost does happiness come?what exactly would happiness be if everytime we are happy, we want more or we have sacrificed something in return for happiness..Well written..Keep it up
Loved it very informative, happiness is indeed a state of mind.
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