Category: Happiness

Technological advancement is at the core of human civilizations history. Progress in different technologies over the decades has contributed to considerable societal shifts. A significantly enhanced human welfare is the most notable outcome of technological developments, and the trends continuity seems inevitable. New and more sophisticated technologies make various aspects of human life, such as production and communication, extra efficient. However, while this technological progress is associated with numerous benefits, they do not always result in human happiness.

Distributed manufacturing and synthetic biology are technologies that facilitate the effective production of commodities and the development of beneficial medical tools. Although distributed manufacturing allows extreme customization, just-in-time production, and minimal cost of transportation, it jeopardizes active government control of manufactured goods, including destructive weapons. This trend increases risks for home-based production and distribution of dangerous weapons, making it difficult to control arms. Equally, synthetic biology can be used to develop highly infectious and lethal pathogens, causing pandemics of unprecedented scale (Li et al., 2021). Undetected terrorist groups can use this technology to develop and deploy engineered viruses. The challenges in controlling the production and distribution of weapons contribute to armed crimes and social unrest, leading to decreased human happiness.

Adoption of advanced technologies in companies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure increased and efficient production has been contributing to increased unemployment. Notably, work is essential for individuals to have a meaningful life. According to Su (2018), work saves society from crimes and boredom. Burgess and Connell (2020) indicate that while technological progress creates new opportunities for employment, they also displace people from their jobs. Most people who lose their job can engage in illegal activities to earn their living. Others may suffer from health problems such as stress and depression due to the inability to meet their daily needs. Thus, technological advancements also cause serious problems to humans, depriving them of much-anticipated happiness.

The use of advanced digital technologies at organizational and social levels makes work and communication easier. However, these technologies seem to cause problems and unhappiness for humans. For instance, the use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers can cause eye problems, insomnia and mental health problems, and other well-being concerns. Brunette et al. (2019) note that excessive use of smartphones and computers contributes to about 19.1% and 18.4% of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, respectively. Over-dependence on digital technologies can also harm relationships and lead to the inability to have face-to-face interactions. Therefore, technological progress can also be a source of unhappiness among individuals.

Conclusively, technological progress does not always result in human happiness, even if such advancements have numerous benefits. Advanced technologies enhance efficient production and other operations in human life. However, some technologies can be used negatively by terrorist groups to hurt social well-being. The increased adoption of advanced technologies continues to deprive people of job opportunities and contributes to numerous health problems. Therefore, the pessimism thought that technological progress does not always lead to human happiness is justifiable.

References

Brunette, M., Achtyes, E., Pratt, S., Stilwell, K., Opperman, M., Guarino, S., & Kay-Lambkin, F. (2019). Use of smartphones, computers and social media among people with SMI: Opportunity for intervention. Community Mental Health Journal, 55(6), 973-978.

Burgess, J., & Connell, J. (2020). New technology and work: Exploring the challenges. The Economic And Labour Relations Review, 31(3), 310-323.

Li, J., Zhao, H., Zheng, L., & An, W. (2021). Advances in synthetic biology and biosafety governance. Frontiers in Bioengineering And Biotechnology, 9, 1-14.

Su, G. (2018). Unemployment in the AI age. AI Matters, 3(4), 35-43.

In order to achieve happiness or fulfilment, mens good character is essential. This implies that men must live righteously and strive for the good if they wish to enjoy a complete life. According to Aristotle, happiness depends on humans themselves, more than anything else. He states that happiness is the central purpose of all human life and a goal in itself.

Therefore, mens happiness can be achieved through cultivation of virtues. The most important thing, when people want to achieve happiness, is to uphold good morals or virtues. Developing virtues implies that people should make very hard decisions, which eventually yields happiness in their lives (White 59). In this paper, the philosophical relationship between the mans good behaviour and happiness is explained.

An effort to attain goals is thought to be a source of happiness. This means that working towards something can make men happy, if they get what they want. As such, many people feel very disappointed when they fail to achieve what they aspires because they do not anticipate the challenges experienced in the process of working out to achieve the goals.

Surprisingly, once people attain what they want, the incentive that drives loses momentum. Attainment of goals is definitely a good thing, but expecting it to produce happiness is misguided because sometimes things can fail to turn out the way they are planned (White 59).

According to Socrates, happiness can result from human efforts. Nonetheless, men should be able to manage their desires to avoid finding themselves in trouble, and they should also control their innersoles in order to have good lives. This is intended to enhance the production of a divine-like condition of inner tranquillity that cannot be affected by the external world.

In other words, this means that the best way to live is by upholding morals and ethically upright life, which would ensure a happy life. According to Plato, acquisition of material wealth and riches can also lead to happiness if these materials are acquired through good or virtuous means. Since nobody is born without any good, people can become morally virtuous and therefore happy through practising of good morals (White 64).

Augustine of Hippo, a medieval philosopher, believed that human reasoning is useful to only people who already have faith. Both Augustine and Plato found no reality in evil, since they argued that nonexistence of good is what defines evil. Just as Plato argued in his writings, Augustine states that the creation of human beings is an important component of the divine arrangement for the cosmos, which outweighs the apparent consequences of the bad decisions of the men.

Aristotle argues that happiness is determined by the cultivation of virtues. This argument differs with the Epicurean outlook where the Epicureans view virtue as the means of acquiring pleasure. Epicureans also argue that there are activities that people do, which are considered evil, yet they have pleasurable ends.

The arguments of Aristotle and the Stoics, in regards to the concept of happiness, have a lot of similarities and differences. In his theory of language and knowledge, Aristotle maintains that happiness is what is already accomplished, and that happiness is a current and attentive happening of the inner person coupled with desirable quality and excellence.

Most importantly, Aristotle found that the actions of the inner person in an attempt to gain excellent and desirable understanding are the biggest determinant of happiness. This is because it is naturally the type of activity, which the frail constitutions can carry on for a long and continuous duration and an activity that is more magnified by friendships through dialectic conversation. As such, according to Aristotle, happiness is in most cases realized when people seek ways of understanding things especially through sociable exchange of information.

The stoics view differs with that of Aristotle since they related happiness to death. Stoics view lives as shaped by death, hence the need to live as a response to the right knowledge of death. Hence, for the stoics, knowledge and life are instruments and also reactions whereas Aristotle perceives happiness and knowledge as justified by the structure of mens existence as demonstrated by their desires and activities (Whiting and Engstrom 23).

In view of this discussion, good life is an essential component of happiness, though it does not qualify as its sufficient condition. This means that it is not a must for one to be happy in order to be considered as living a good life. The discussion has shown the philosophical relationship between the mans good behaviour and happiness.

All the philosophers mentioned in this paper have their own account of happiness and the good life, but they have not been able to offer a convincing account of what happiness must be. All the same, analysing the lives of men who disregard morals makes some sense to reason that human beings can only achieve happiness by living righteously (Whiting and Engstrom 23).

Works Cited

White, Stephen. Philosophy. New York: Stanford University press, 1992. Print.

Whiting Jennifer and Stephen Engstrom. Aristotle, Kant and the Stoics: Rethinking Happiness and Duty. New York: Cambridge, 1998. Print.

Introduction

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are popular words contained in the American Declaration of Independence. These words are what define the American people. Even among non-Americans, the words are well known to most of them. With America being the most powerful nation on earth, these words are guiding pillars to all humanity. Although these words were spoken over two hundred years ago, all of us today can still access the truths contained in them. The Declaration of Independence where these words are derived from is a cornerstone of American thought regarding freedom and happiness. Thomas Jefferson who is the writer of the famous words was greatly influenced by philosophers living of his time. Today, the Declaration of Independence is used as a blueprint of an effective government throughout the world (Andrew, 2005).

Main Body

One group of individuals who have continued to pursue liberty and happiness in the twentieth century and beyond is the American gay society. This group of committed men and women believe that gay marriage should be a constitutional right for everyone in America. They claim that as a nation, we cannot fail to recognize gay marriages and be said to support their constitutional rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Despite the churches belief that marriage should strictly be between a man and woman, the gay society has maintained that one should not be denied their right to happiness. The gays believe that all people should be allowed to exercise their rights to happiness that is clearly articulated in the constitution despite their sexual orientation. According to them, the constitution provides the right for one to be at liberty to choose their marriage partner regardless of their sex (Wolfrum, 2009).

The stiff fight put up by the American gay society has completely changed the worldview of gay people. Despite gay marriages being taboo in many countries, many gays through observing the boldness exemplified by their American brothers have come out of the closet and are openly showing their sexual orientation. Currently, the issue of gay marriage has found a wide acceptance across the cultural divide. Today, even churches that had previously taken a strong stance against the issue have now realized that marriage is a constitutional right that should not be denied to any person. The issue has become widely accepted to a point where gay bishops are being ordained to lead churches (Wolfrum, 2009).

Currently, there is talk of constitutional amendments that make gay marriages illegal. If passed into law, this amendment is going to deny many gay people their right to life, liberty, and happiness. With the gay society waging a stiff fight to gain recognition, these changes are not likely to be carried out any time soon. Many American people have learned to defend the constitutional rights of everyone in society. In the future, any efforts to amend the constitution to deny gay people their rights to liberty and freedom will be met by stiff opposition from both the gays and the public. This shows just how the gay societys contributions have had a great impact on society (Wolfrum, 2009).

Conclusion

The American gay society has continued to pursue its right to life, liberty, and happiness. The stiff fight they have been waging has changed the worlds perception of gay marriages. Today, more gay people are coming out of their closets to demand their right to liberty and happiness. This has brought a big change in societys attitude toward gay people. In the future, more people are expected to oppose any constitutional amendments seeking to deny gay people their constitutional rights.

References List

1. Andrew, F. (2005) Life, Liberty and the Pursuit for Happiness. Web.
2. Wolfrum, W. (2009) Gay Equality Will Help Make Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness Less of a Joke. Web.

Materialism is one of the main problems of modern society. The main idea of Piffs speech is that as a persons wealth increases, his sense of empathy and compassion for the poorer decreases. The conclusions of more affluent people are reduced to the fact that the pursuit of their interests can be attributed to moral actions (Piff, 2013). Thus, they are ready to sacrifice other peoples interests and commit immoral acts for their benefit. In studies, rich people show higher greed and desire to get rich (Piff, 2013). Wealthier people cheat to make money, although the profit is relatively small.

Rich people feel their power and the weakness of others. To demonstrate this clearly, scientists conducted an experiment in which students were offered a monopoly game. Wealthier players began to feel stronger and dominate the weaker ones. This happened even though the participants were given money randomly. Additionally, I notice the difference between richer and poorer people. As my own experience shows, people with great wealth treat me condescendingly and prejudiced. From this, we must conclude the distribution of wealth. People with high incomes believe that they can sacrifice the interests of others. However, it should be understood that respect and empathy are superior to any material wealth.

There is a correlation between money and happiness that needs to be looked at. In Nortons speech about joy, the main idea is the relationship between money and positive emotions from shopping and spending on ourselves or someone else. Thus, it was found that people become happier if they spend money not only on themselves (Norton, 2011). Moreover, it does not depend on their financial situation or status in society. A study in which two groups of students were allowed to spend money on themselves or others found that those who spent money on someone experienced significantly more positive emotions.

I think that this is a significant indicator of happiness, not dependent on material goods. Gifts and material assistance to other people evoke more positive emotions than money spent on me. Thus, I believe that rich people should organize more events to raise money to help others. Moreover, it is necessary to study the issues of poverty, education, and medicine in third-world countries to think about respect and support for those in need.

References

Norton, M. (2011). How to buy happiness [Video]. TED.

Piff, P. (2013). Does money make you mean? [Video]. TED.

It is crucial to note that Psychologists have spent decades studying the relationship between wealth and happiness, writes Harvard University psychologist Daniel Gilbert, is an example of the use of ethos (Begley, 2007, p. 1). This is because reading this sentence, the reader will trust the opinion of a professional psychologist, because Daniel Gilbert has been researching this issue for a long time and has developed opinions based on both personal and professional experience. Another example of an ethos is If a nation wants to increase its populations sense of well-being, says Veenhoven, it should make less investment in economic growth and more in policies that promote good governance, liberties, democracy, trust and public safety (Begley, 2007, p. 2). That is because, in addition to a persons personal opinion, this sentence contains concessions. At the same time, an instance of pathos would be consider who else rated themselves around 5.8: the Inuit of northern Greenland because the author appeals to the audiences consciousness (Begley, 2007, p. 3). This method is effective for readers to support the authors idea based on their own beliefs. Moreover, the use of rhetorical questions, for example, If money doesnt buy happiness, what does? is an instance of pathos (Begley, 2007, p. 4). This is due to the fact that the author is trying to draw peoples attention to common values, such as health and friends. This creates confidence in the authors opinions because readers will agree with the author when answering this question.

Reference

Begley, S. (2007). Why money doesnt buy happiness. Newsweek Magazine.

Introduction

The issue of happiness appears to be the central determinant of a persons life. The critical factor in establishing whether one had a good or bad life is whether this person was happy or not. Therefore, finding what one can do to achieve happiness and sustain it throughout his or her life is essential. Morality affects a persons happiness because it defines the values that an individual has, what is important to them and what is not, and allows focusing on the things that matter.

Impact of Morality on Happiness

Morality affects the way a person feels about themselves and their actions, or about others. By definition, this term is an ability to make a distinction between right and wrong, good behavior, and bad. Happiness, in its turn, is a sense of satisfaction with ones life or actions. Hence, if a person acts in accordance with their moral principles, they commit good actions, as they are able to distinguish right from wrong, and as a result, they should feel happy.

An alternative scenario is a person acting in accordance with their moral principles, who does not feel happy. While it is possible, for instance, if the views of an individual do not correspond with those of a society where they live, the inability to achieve happiness is questionable. This person, regardless of the way they are treated, still acts following their morals, the principle values that are important to them. While they may face consequences such as being judged or misunderstood, they at least avoid lying to themselves and choosing to commit immoral actions to fit in.

Morality defines the values that are important for an individual. Here, a question of can a person who continually chooses something that is of no importance to them be happy arises. While this may help this individual achieve some goals in the short-term, for example, choose a career where they will be paid well instead of a job that corresponds to their interest. One can argue that in the long-term, the inability to do what they actually like to pursue a career to which they have a genuine interest will affect their happiness. The basis of this path is a lack of moral judgment  choosing wrong over right.

Morality is not unanimous for everyone, which explains why different people find happiness in different things. People can have different views on the same topic, from simple day-to-day items such as favorite breakfast choices to more complex problems such as abortions or human rights. The reason why the views differ is that because we value some things more than others. Moreover, we live some things and dislike others, based on our character, our upbringing, the education we receive and the environment or the society we live in because these factors impact our understanding of the world. Because there are so many factors that shape ones morality, people have varying views on what is right and what is wrong, although in most cases the society forms the core of our moral system.

This uniqueness of views affects a persons perception of life. For one individual, helping those in need by donating money or volunteering is a good action, which will make them happy because they fulfill their aspirations. For another person, such help can be counter-productive, they may think that providing education and opportunities to people is more valuable. If the latter individual is forced to volunteer, for example, to cook and distribute food instead of teaching a useful skill, they are likely to fill unhappy. Their actions in this scenario contradict their understanding of right and wrong, what they are doing is harmful to others. Here, a critical assumption is that for most people  harming others is not pleasurable, and they cannot feel happy doing something harmful. Moreover, a person with the described mindset would not want to volunteer or participate in something to help other people as it would be against their morality.

Objection

The alternative idea is that no connection between morality and happiness exists, they are two distinct entities not affecting each other. In that case, if an individual violates their morality, they can still be happy. Using a similar example that was discussed above, a career that will guarantee a good salary but is of no interest to the individual, which is a wrong choice in its essence. This can be a doctor who has no interest in helping people and who lacks compassion for helping others.

In case when morality has no effect on ones happiness, it must be defined or be affected by other aspects of a persons life. Here, many examples should be mentioned, such as money, fame, success, which can lead to happiness. Money, being the most obvious example, allow one to avoid worrying about essential things, such as paying for food, rent, ensuring that you can pay for medical services if necessary, and other things. Can a person be happy when they do have to worry about the mentioned aspects of life? Perhaps it is possible, but researchers in human psychology, such as Abraham Maslow, have established that people have core needs  physiological issues that have to be addressed before anything else. Therefore, a person cannot be happy based on following their moral principles.

Alternative Argument

The counter-argument presents valid points about things that contribute to ones happiness. As such, it does not refute the idea that moral values do not have an impact on ones happiness. Even in cases of having to deal with problems, the ability to adhere to the moral standards a person possesses is central. Again, in the first paragraphs of this essay, the question of choosing a career was used as an example to illustrate the long-term and short term consequences of morality. By choosing a wrong career not based on ones morality, a person is able to satisfy a specific need  to gain recognition or money. However, this also means that in the long-term, they will be doing something that is of no value to them. Additionally, since this person addressed the particular need, they will have to deal with the consequences of going against their morality  doing something they dislike, which is likely to make them unhappy.

Conclusion

Overall, the role of morality in relation to happiness is essential. It defines the core principles and values of a person, allowing them to choose what is right and act in accordance with their beliefs. When living not in accordance with ones morality, it is difficult to be happy. Mainly because an individual who chooses this path lives following the standards of someone else while ignoring what is valuable to him or her.

Phase three of the lab project survey involved collecting and analyzing data from eighteen randomly chosen neighborhood members. The data collected was on happiness and the scale provided was between one low or no happiness and seven high levels of happiness. The survey was administered using a guided questionnaire where participants were allowed to choose the best option that fits them on a scale of 1-7. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS software, and the results were presented in this report. The primary purposes of the analysis report were to describe the statistical analysis used and the rationale for choosing it, the SPSS output, and the appropriate results graph.

The Statistical Analysis Used

The statistical analysis used was the Pearsons correlation coefficient  used to test statistical association or relationship between two interrupted variables. It applies the covariance method to determine the association between variables (Gogtay, & Thatte, 2017). Finally, the Pearson correlation determines the magnitude of the correlation, associations, and relationship direction. The magnitude was crucial for the happiness study.

The rationale for Using the Above Statistical Analysis

The reason behind the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was the questions being asked by the study to achieve its mission. The questions were;

1. Do happiness and attendance have a statistically had meaningful relationship?
2. Is there a direct statistical association between happiness level and attendance?

The method would tell if there was a correlation between the two variables by determining the exact degree or extend of correlation. Secondly, the test method would give the exact correlation direction, that is, if the correlation was negative or positive. The survey questionnaire asked participants if they were happy by using a value close to seven which was the maximum score, or unhappy by choosing one or values near it. The method would tell whether the relationship was positive or negative (Afyouni, Smith & Nichols, 2019). Furthermore, the Pearson coefficient calculation method enabled the calculation of the dependent variable with absolute reference to a specific value of an independent variable through preset regression equations. Another reason why the analysis was chosen is because it is easy to use. It is made up of numerous algebraic properties and a host of related factors viz to calculate the coefficient.

SPSS Output for the Analysis

Descriptive Statistics Table

The Appropriate Graph

According to the descriptive statistics in table one above and the correlations in table two, the scatter plot shown below was the most suitable graph. To predict the exact association or relationship, the best-fit line graph would be drawn. The relationship results were obtained from the scatter plot, as is shown.

From the above graph, the computed Pearson correlation coefficient shows the presence of a relationship between the happiness and attendance of participants. The coefficient r = 0.821, p = 0.000 (p<0.01), and n = 18 thus the null hypothesis is rejected. The final results show a positive linear correlation; therefore, an increase in attendance causes an increase in happiness. The positive hypothesis is accepted.

References

Gogtay, N. J., & Thatte, U. M. (2017). Principles of correlation analysis. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 65(3), 78-81.

Afyouni, S., Smith, S. M., & Nichols, T. E. (2019). Effective degrees of freedom of the Pearsons correlation coefficient under autocorrelation. NeuroImage, 199, 609-625.

Introduction

Happiness as an e ethereal and elusive yet constantly desirable concept has been the object of pursuit since the dawn of humankind. The phenomenon of happiness as a state of being has a special place in Western Philosophy. The subject matter has been explored by Kant, Tocqueville, Du Chatelet, and Freud. Although the concept of happiness was initially viewed as an unattainable state of being that cannot be reached due to the lack of clarity about nature thereof, the subject matter was gradually built to become a reachable state that can become a possibility after an in-depth self-analysis and introspect. Particularly, each of the philosophers mentioned above contributed to the representation of happiness as the state that can be ultimately achieved by recognizing its direct connection to ones own illusory interpretation of the subject matter (as explained by Kant), the recognition of ones agency in building happiness due to its being an illusion (as stated by Tocqueville and Du Chatelet), and, finally, using the concept of sublimation to explore ones subconscious idea of happiness (as suggested by Freud), thus, achieving a balance between ones desires and faculties, as Rousseau put it (Rohlf 220).

Analysis

A closer look at the transformations that the idea of happiness has experienced over different eras and being under the influence of different cultures and philosophies will reveal that it has been transformed from the unattainable to being purely subjective and, thus, convertible into a set of ideas and images that can be interpreted. Despite the fact that the specified stages might seem disjoint, they, in fact, serve as the foundation for building the path to achieving personal happiness. As strikingly opposite to each other, as some of the theories mentioned above might be, each of them provides the element that serves as a building block for creating a cohesive interpretation of happiness as both a social construct and an individual phenomenon.

For instance, the Kantian approach requires that happiness should be deemed as an illusion. Although one might see the role of the specified statement as destructive for the overall promotion of happiness in an individual, more detailed scrutiny thereof will show that the specified assumption leads to the interpretation of happiness as a purely subjective idea (Bueno 5). Therefore, the role of illusion in happiness should be deemed as critical toward achieving the specified stat.

Similarly, both Tocqueville and Du Chatelet argue that imagination plays a crucial role in determining the degree of ones happiness (McDaid and Cooper 19). Thus, the philosophers enable one to build ones own happiness, thus, increasing the role of an individual as an agent. It could be argued that the specified interpretation stands in sharp contrast to the assumption made by Kant, i.e., the idea that happiness is an illusion. However, instead of developing the idea of happiness as something that cannot be attained, the vision of Tocqueville suggests building happiness based on the elements that are typically attributed to it (Gragg 291). The specified point aligns with Rousseaus concept of happiness, which implies locating a balance between ones desires and needs (Rohlf 221).

Similarly, the idea of happiness represented by Du Chatelet implies that the notion can be created based on the illusory assumptions of an individual. Furthermore, Du Chatelet takes the argument even further and states that happiness as an illusion is a crucial and indispensable element of a persons life since it allows one to sustain the required attitudes and, therefore, remain satisfied. According to Du Chatelet, there are several elements that constitute the recipe for happiness, and susceptibility to illusions is only one of them.

Apart from the latter, virtuousness, the ability to free ones mind from prejudices, physical and mental well-being, and the presence of tastes and passions are listed among the essential components of being happy (Ridley 117). Furthermore, Du Chatelet states explicitly that illusions are not to be confused with errors; instead, they should be viewed as the means of viewing the information that would otherwise be interpreted as negative. Despite the fact that the idea of introducing illusions into ones perception of reality can be considered rather dangerous for the further successful functioning in the society, the identified elements are evidently interpreted by Du Chatelet and Tocqueville as the foundation for ones emotional well-being.

The personal interpretation of happiness and the engagement in a meta-analysis of ones emotional development, as well as ones understanding of happiness, is, however, the most important stage toward achieving happiness according to Freud. As a detailed overview of the theorists works shows, Freud placed a heavy emphasis on the analysis of sublimation as the key to understanding the ways of achieving personal happiness. Particularly, sublimation plays the role of the markers that allow determining the factors contributing to ones emotional satisfaction. It should be noted, though, that Freud was rather pessimistic in his definition of happiness; similarly to Kant, he believed that the specified state cannot be achieved, as Valdre explains: Civilization and Its Discontents was judged as a bitter work, tinged with a sort of irreducible Freudian pessimism: happiness, when all is said and done, is impossible for a human being (Valdre 27). However, it could be argued that the use of subconscious images and ideas can become the tool for understanding ones needs and desires. Therefore, sublimation plays a paramount role in the process of seeking and achieving happiness as the ultimate state of feeling satisfied, accomplished, and emotionally comfortable.

Conclusion

While the idea of happiness was initially interpreted as the state desired by many yet identifiable by none, it slowly transformed into the state that can be achieved with a thorough and detailed analysis of ones self, including ones desires and wishes. Thus, the interpretation of happiness passed the stages of being viewed as the figment of imagination to the illusion created by an individual to the sublimation of ones own needs. The identified change can be explained by the fact that the philosophy of happiness slowly evolved from a set of generalized ideas toward an individual analysis and a personal interpretation of the subject matter.

As a result, the foundation for creating an in-depth assessment of ones personal needs has been created. The journey made by the philosophy of happiness allows concluding that the subject matter is not only attainable but also essential to ones well-being. Therefore, imagination, illusion, and sublimation play a crucial role in the pursuit of happiness since they allow one pass from the stage of identifying ones own concept of personal happiness (i.e., using the Freudian interpretation thereof) to recognizing ones own agency in creating premises for being happy (i.e., applying Tocqueville ideas), and, finally, to preventing external factors form affecting ones ability to remain happy (i.e., viewing happiness as an illusion). Each of the concepts contributes to engaging in a profound analysis of ones perception of happiness and, hence, leads to the ultimate experience of happiness.

Works Cited

Bueno, Alexander J. The Logicist Tribulation of Sophia: Book Two: Recuperation of the Theological Ethics of Happiness versus Logicism and Phil-Ideology. Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, 2014.

Gragg, Rod. The Pilgrim Chronicles: An Eyewitness History of the Pilgrims and the Founding of Plymouth Colony. Regnery Publishing, 2014.

McDaid, David, and Cary L. Cooper. Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, Economics of Wellbeing. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

Ridley, Matt. The Evolution of Everything: How Small Changes Transform Our World. HarperCollins UK, 2015.

Rohlf, Micheal. The Modern Turn. CUA Press, 2017.

Valdre, Rossella. On Sublimation: A Path to the Destiny of Desire, Theory, and Treatment. Karnac Books, 2014.

The way to a happy life was studied by philosophers from ancient times. Alain De Bottons programs united in the series Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness present and discuss the views of different philosophers on various aspects of this subject. Comparing the perspectives of the thinkers, it is possible to state that, despite differences in views, their main goal was to explain people a possible path to happiness. Although the theories by Socrates, Epicurus, and Michel de Montaigne are different in their basic ideas, these philosophers regarded freedom from other peoples views as one of the key components of a happy life.

The main idea proclaimed by Socrates was that people should think logically in order not to be led by other peoples false views. According to Socrates, it is important to stop following opinions passively (01  Socrates on Self-Confidence). In this context, Socrates viewed one of the approaches to achieving happiness in demonstrating self-confidence and courage of opposing other peoples opinions. Therefore, people need to use their minds not to follow the crowd, and courage is in opposing many persons and believing in ones truth. This idea of freedom from other peoples views was also mentioned by Epicurus, who identified this type of freedom as one of his three elements of a happy life. De Montaigne also accentuated the importance of being independent of other peoples views on appearance, for example.

Epicuruss key idea was that people should live to achieve happiness, and it meant pursuing pleasures. According to Epicurus, pleasure is the most important thing in life (02  Epicurus on Happiness). It is possible to agree with the philosopher that people often try to find pleasure and happiness in the wrong places: stores and markets, where it is possible to spend money. This path does not lead to happiness but frustration, and happiness is in friends, freedom, and analysis or reflection. These views are partially similar to the theory by de Montaigne, who spent much of his time reflecting on his living. Furthermore, he also proposed opposing peoples views on someones body or appearance to avoid being ashamed of oneself. Epicuruss interest in thought, analysis, and reflection is also correlated with Socratess focus on the mind and thinking.

In contrast to the other two philosophers, de Montaigne did not view the mind as a source of happiness. On the contrary, the mind is a source of frustration for people because they analyze their body, appearance, thoughts, and become feeling dissatisfied (04  Montaigne on Self-Esteem). The reason is that they want to fit some peoples norms, but they cannot do that. As a result, people need to try to oppose ideas and norms spread by other individuals to feel happy and satisfied. In this context, the views by de Montaigne are correlated with Epicuruss view of freedom: the importance of gaining independence from other peoples thought (02  Epicurus on Happiness). They are also similar to Socratess view on the responsibility to follow and protect personal visions and positions.

At first sight, the philosophical views of Socrates, Epicurus, and Michel de Montaigne are rather different despite their focus on happiness. On the other hand, the philosophers proclaimed similar ideas: the importance of focusing on oneself instead of other peoples views and demonstrating freedom and independence in ideas. Thus, these thinkers identified the achieved independence from other individuals thoughts as one of the key steps to happiness. It is almost impossible to disagree with them because peoples views can influence ones image and self-esteem significantly, leading to frustration rather than happiness.

Works Cited

01  Socrates on Self-Confidence  Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness. YouTube, uploaded by Spookybuk, 2012, Web.

02  Epicurus on Happiness  Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness. YouTube, uploaded by Spookybuk, 2012, Web.

04  Montaigne on Self-Esteem  Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness. YouTube, uploaded by Spookybuk, 2012, Web.

The topic of human happiness is a complex matter that cannot be fully explained by psychological or cognitive processes happening to a human. For many people, psychologists depicted happiness as a phenomenon unique for every individual, as peoples sensations and so-called happiness triggers depended significantly on ones perceptions of happiness. Later, the notion of happiness became closely associated with the brains release of dopamine hormone. Currently, there exist many ways that can help people experience a dopamine rush and a sudden feeling of happiness. However, there are not as many actions that would guarantee peoples long-term happiness.

One of the most commonly recognized contributors is human interpersonal interaction. Indeed, in a study by Ekker (2021), the quantity and quality of dopamine release have been proven to be influenced by movement synchronization during conversation or any other interaction. In order to elaborate on this premise, Robert Waldinger from the Harvard Medical School conducted research on the interrelation between peoples relationship and their level of happiness throughout life. In terms of the experiment, Waldinger (2015) and his team conducted a 75-year study of 724 men, asking them to share the details of their personal and professional lives as well as their health. After a thorough examination that included being interviewed in their homes, providing their medical records from their doctors, getting their blood drawn, their brains scanned and letting the researchers talk to their children, the findings demonstrated that regardless of ones social class or socio-economic status, peoples happiness relied on their relationships with others (Mejia, 2018, para. 9). Indeed, according to Waldinger (2015), good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period (05:39). This conclusion, which may seem logical or even obvious for some people, provides people with a chance of reconsidering their lives.

When analyzing the findings of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, I have realized that the truth as plain as happiness relying on a connection has become abandoned in todays society. Driven by the consumeristic and individualistic values of society, people almost unanimously decided to find the solution to happiness through buying material things or the attention of others. In fact, some people even claim to feel happy when acting in a selfish and isolated manner. Hence, the fact that a psychological study lasting for almost a century brings individuals back to their roots is a marker that people nowadays are not as complicated as they think they are. Having a meaningful connection with the ones you care about, according to the professor, is a single key to happiness and a general sense of well-being (Waldinger, 2015). When looking at this phenomenon from a personal perspective, I realize that the vivid moments of happiness I experienced in my life are never related to something I have done or obtained myself. It was sharing the small victories that gave me an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and purpose in life, whereas keeping good news to myself was always a rather depressing experience.

For this reason, I, by all means, agree that building a solid relationship with ones close surroundings is the fundamental principle of feeling happy and inspired. While this conclusion may sound too simplistic for such a complex and lengthy study, it was never the authors intention to make peoples lives more complicated. Instead, Robert Waldinger was trying to encourage people to go back to their roots in the pursuit of contentment and harmony.

CTQ: In the context of digitalization and the global pandemic, does virtual communication with people have the same effect as interpersonal interaction, given that the latter tends to release more dopamine to ones blood?

References

Ekker, M. (2021). Dopamine in health and disease. Biomedicines, 9(11), 1644. Web.

Mejia, Z. (2018). Harvards longest study of adult life reveals how you can be happier and more successful. CNBC. Web.

Waldinger, R. (2015). What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness [Video]. TED. Web.