Successor site to the Philosophy of Happiness blog (http://philoshap.blogspot.com/) that supported PHIL 3160 at MTSU, 2011-2019. The course returns Fall 2025.
PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness
What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."
Monday, September 20, 2021
Quote
Given the rainbow that cast itself over our campus on Monday, I thought I'd share this.
And remember, the stars are always there. We just can't always see'em.
And the happiness-equivalent of rainbows is well-represented in young WJ's letter to a despondent friend:
"Remember when old December's darkness is everywhere about you, that the world is really in every minutest point as full of life as in the most joyous morning you ever lived through; that the sun is whanging down, and the waves dancing, and the gulls skimming down at the mouth of the Amazon, for instance, as freshly as in the first morning of creation; and the hour is just as fit as any hour that ever was for a new gospel of cheer to be preached. I am sure that one can, by merely thinking of these matters of fact, limit the power of one's evil moods over one's way of looking at the Kosmos.”—Philosopher William James (1842-1910), in a letter to friend Thomas Ward, 1868
There’s always that silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud. I think a part of being happy is being able to realize the good in bad situations. I must admit, some situations are harder than others. Some may even seem to have nothing good come of it at first, but sometimes it takes time. I like that quote. It really sums up the message in a clever way. I’ll have to use it some time.
And remember, the stars are always there. We just can't always see'em.
ReplyDeleteAnd the happiness-equivalent of rainbows is well-represented in young WJ's letter to a despondent friend:
"Remember when old December's darkness is everywhere about you, that the world is really in every minutest point as full of life as in the most joyous morning you ever lived through; that the sun is whanging down, and the waves dancing, and the gulls skimming down at the mouth of the Amazon, for instance, as freshly as in the first morning of creation; and the hour is just as fit as any hour that ever was for a new gospel of cheer to be preached. I am sure that one can, by merely thinking of these matters of fact, limit the power of one's evil moods over one's way of looking at the Kosmos.”—Philosopher William James (1842-1910), in a letter to friend Thomas Ward, 1868
“Don’t seek to be happy; let everyone else chase after that rainbow. Seek to be kind, and you’ll find the rainbow follows you.”
ReplyDelete- Richelle E. Goodrich
There might not always be happiness in every situation, however, we can be happy through whatever we’re going through.
ReplyDeleteSo true!!!
DeleteThere’s always that silver lining, no matter how dark the cloud. I think a part of being happy is being able to realize the good in bad situations. I must admit, some situations are harder than others. Some may even seem to have nothing good come of it at first, but sometimes it takes time. I like that quote. It really sums up the message in a clever way. I’ll have to use it some time.
ReplyDelete