Conquest of Happiness: Final Chapters And Thoughts

Some of the final chapters that stood out to me in the conquest of happiness are chapters thirteen, fourteen, sixteen, and seventeen. Bertrand discussed the family in chapter thirteen and described the family as having the ability to be the greatest source of happiness for parents and children. But he also said in present day circumstances that in 9 out of ten situations family relationships are a source of unhappiness for parents and children. 

I personally may be particularly biased when it comes to this topic. Because while I love my parents dearly and I have a decent relationship with them it has never been a great source of happiness for me. So I do agree with Bertrand's view a bit here. Growing up I never felt I was quite good enough for my parents and that they needed me to measure up to everything they didn't accomplish in life. As an young adult this behavior continued a bit and ultimately I think is a bit of a factor of why I chose not to have kids myself. Then there's my husband on the other hand who has a pretty solid and happy relationship with his parents. They supported him growing up which I feel has led him to a more positive and well adjusted individual in many ways. But I still wouldn't say his relationship with them has a big impact on his happiness or unhappiness. 

In chapter fourteen Russell discusses work and it's likeness of increasing or decreasing happiness. He stated that even the dullest work generally produces less pain in life than idleness.  He then goes on to talk about the advantages of work and how when people are left to there own devices don't typically know what to do with themselves. And how work is desirable in order to fill boredom in our lives. I personally agree and disagree here. I whole heartedly agree that having successful work and the ability to provide for ourselves and our families is extremely important. At the other end I can think of a ton of things I can personally fill my time with other than a standard dull or boring job. Working on my home, spending time with my husband, traveling, reading etc. While work does enable to enjoy these other areas in my life, I personal need a career that utilizes my skills. Anything less would make me very unhappy. 

Bertrand opens Chapter sixteen discussing how the world is full of avoidable and unavoidable misfortunes. In this he explores effort and resignation and how in order to be happy men and women must explore and find methods to cope with unhappiness. While some of us are born into better fortunes than others, most of us will have to deal with varying levels of struggle in our lives. Bertrand describes effort as a means of achievement inward or outwards. For example, the effort we put forth in marriage, raising children, our careers and so forth our important in our conquest of happiness. But exceeding our effort in certain areas of life can also lead to unhappiness if it's causing us to overly stress and worry. 

This is where resignation comes into play. Bertrand said that one form of resignation is good because it's rooted in hope. While the bad form of resignation is rooted in despair. For example a man that has given up all hope of achievement in life and believes he is defeated will ultimately lead to unhappiness. While the person who's resignation is rooted in hope will remain happy and still believe no obstacle is too big or hard. And then there is also having the resignation to see ourselves clearly. Betrand said while this form may cause pain at first, but in the end it requires more effort to believe things that aren't true. 

Overall, I found chapter seventeen to be the most interesting in the conquest of happiness. Russell believed that happiness was determined by partly external circumstances and the person's attitude. And to truly find happiness some simple things needed to be aligned in a person's life. Things like food, shelter, love, health, successful work, respect and even parenthood for some. He believed without this things that only the exceptional could reach happiness. He also stated that as long as our passions and desires were self-centered they could give us in a prison of constantly dwelling within ourselves. A prison that could render us incapable of exploring and experiencing the fullness of the variety of life. 

I found this interesting because I my experiences in my own life. The times were I've been more self-centered and only focused on own desires and interests have been some of the most unhappy moments of my life. Where as when I've been volunteering, developing great relationships, trying new things and fulfilled in my career I've been happier. Sure there have been ebbs and flows in all of those things, but those are the times in my life when I've felt happier on a more consistent basis. Overall, I think most important thing to take away from Russell is saying is that attitude is everything. Regardless of everything lining up in our lives just having the right our attitude can contribute or destroy or happiness in life.

SL