In the opening of chapter one the author discusses how there has never been a better time to be alive. While I agree with that opening statement I also found it to be interesting because the last several years our world has been so chaotic. Even with that I know that time period we currently live in is a much happier time than previous generations regardless of the confusion our world is facing. Like the author stated, today we enjoy material and cultural abundance that previous generations only dreamt of, but I question if those resources truly make us any happier.
Socrates was the perfect example of being happier with less. While I don't know that his way of life is the answer, I do know that overconsumption and materialism don't necessarily lead to happiness either.
I also like how the author discussed how we would be unwise to generalize large groups in humanity because of what they possess or don't possess. Like the author said there are some many levels of poverty and I think that poverty can be a frame of mind and not just a lack of possessions. In my own life for example I'd have to say there were times when I was happier when I had less than all the material possessions I currently own.
Personally, I think the meaning of happiness is every changing and like the author stated can mean many things. It's not so much about the word happiness, but about the meaning of the words you use to describe it.
SL
Thanks, Shira. What do you think, Jennifer and Ashley?
ReplyDeleteHi Shira, I couldn't agree with you more; some of the periods of my life, where I had little to nothing, were some of the happiest times of my life! I didn't grow up having a whole lot anyways; my father raising me as a single father, but I knew that I always had his love, regardless of all else. Sure you can buy things that you want and go places that maybe you couldn't normally afford to, with money, but it definitely doesn't make up happiness.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you said:
I think the meaning of happiness is every changing and like the author stated can mean many things. It's not so much about the word happiness, but about the meaning of the words you use to describe it.
I really feel like happiness is specific to each individual and therefore the things that make up a person's happiness, is also individual to them. And therefore I would have to agree with you, that it could also be ever-changing; as people are constantly evolving, changing, growing, and learning.
I've even experienced a time when I was willing to give up all material possessions, in order to hold onto happiness. As that last article "how wanting less can lead to satisfaction," depicts happiness as a very valuable commodity, that is well sought after; I believe it is so much the case, that people would actually be willing to give up wealth, prosperity, and material possessions, just in order to obtain it; as well as, in order to hold on to it. With that being said, I feel like the possibility of a wealthy life leading to happiness, is actually quite impossible, to be held as a truth or belief.
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