Addt'l insight & questions

 I have already posted my reflections and insights, but wanted to add some additional insights, reflect upon in our conversations; as well as some questions.

I mentioned before and that I feel that each individuals version of heaven is different and that it evolves through our life experiences and the people that we meet. I feel that happiness is similar to heaven in these regards. After all, what is happiness, but a piece of heaven on earth?

One thing that I found most insightful from our readings, is the value that autonomy plays on happiness; having a sense of control over ones own life. I believe that a sense of autonomy is probably valuable to most, but I feel that some of us may value it to a higher degree. And losing that sense of autonomy could be detrimental to the happiness of someone who values it to great extremes. I believe Socrates valued his sense of autonomy to a very high degree. Maintained an unaltered state of mindfulness, remaining as calm as could be, even awaiting his own execution. I feel like he thought that if he allowed for them to alter that mindfulness, even during such an ordeal, then he would be allowing them to take away the last thing that was still his- his sense of autonomy over his own mindfulness.

My belief is that a good life is one that contains both life satisfaction, as well as happiness. Although I highly respect Aristotle, his view is that the most pleasant life is filled with virtuous and excellent activity; however, I think that those things without any sense of life satisfaction or happiness, cannot fully make one's life pleasant.

I like how Haybron emphasizes emphasizes authentic happiness, and success and things that you care about (rather than just success,) and values and commitments that shape our identity.

And I agree with him that "to act against our own values may be, to make ourselves failures in our own terms." And that "doing what's right is far more important than being happy." And also that we are "only entitled to the pursuit of happiness, not to happiness itself." And that our "pursuits and have intrinsic value to us." And also that "a meaningful life involves appreciative engagement and what we see as having merit or worth." Not just engaging but appreciatively engaging, is what derives that sense of joy or happiness. In fact meaningfulness I believe is most important in life satisfaction and in happiness. When looking back at our lives to determine if they were good, one must consider if it was worth it. 

And I love Hayron's grandmother's view on life; I have always loved accounting and I've always loved philosophy, and I feel like there's a lot to say for the balance of it all. Nobody is perfect; everyone makes mistakes. We have to use ethics to determine whether we're doing the right thing. The important part is something that my father also taught to me- once you weigh out the things you've done right and the things you've done wrong, does the good outweigh the bad? And did you make up for your mistakes? Did you apologize? Did you admit that you were wrong? Did you make sure that your balance sheet of life was a favorable one?

My questions are:

Both of the authors show empathy for people who suffer through extreme situations that alter their happiness. Bertrand Russell says that in his advice he won't even consider these extreme cases; and Haybron even says "to say someone confused to be happy, is selfish and cruel." Do you think that through some people's life experiences happiness is not possible, at least not on a authentic level? 

Haybron says of the sources of happiness are security, outlook, autonomy, relationships, and skills and meaningful activity. Do you think that these things are interrelated to each other? And in what ways?

What are some virtues that you possess that you attribute to your parents; and how did those virtues shape what you value most in your own happiness?