Happiness: what does it mean to be truly happy?

This is a question that puzzles all of us, doesn’t it? I was recently listening to “The Secret” by Earl Nightingale. (1) He points out that the vast majority of men do not, ultimately, lead happy and contented lives. He poses the question as to why this is so. We are left with the impression that we must associate success with material wealth.

This posits a most difficult position because if everyone were to become materially wealthy, the earth would die a gluttonous death — wallowing in a surfeit of consumer goods. If we truly want to be happy, we must approach the concept of happiness from a different perspective. At a youthful age, it is important to decide what prosperity means personally. Is it material gain or is there something more?

An interesting phenomenon is beginning to occur in China. It is called “lying flat.” This means that resting and philosophizing are more important than working and acquiring financial success. The Chinese state, quite rightly, is concerned with this social attitude slowly pervading the country. (2) China, like most countries, is based on economic growth. This is a phenomenon that exists in the West, as well. The countless numbers of homeless speak to an underclass of people who have opted out of the system — either through mental illness (some 25% of the cases) or through true despair. (3)

To go to work every day, you must put your creativity aside and focus on the task at hand — there is no choice. This frustrates many people for it slowly destroys your soul. (4) The secret to prosperity has a third option. — not blind obedience to making money, nor totally surrendering to the streets. The third choice is to accept, at the beginning of your life, that you must be a wage slave. You do not yet know your mission. Through diligence and deep reflection (the notebook), however, you will find it.

Once you do and spend the necessary time perfecting its power, you will step into your state of flow. (5) Then, your work will become a beautiful statement of you. Your income will mirror your needs and those of your family. This is Aristotle’s Golden Mean. (6) It is here that your true happiness lies, I believe. It is essential that you do the right thing with your piece of life. This will truly benefit all of humanity — ultimate happiness awaits. Euripides, the great classical tragedian, (7) leaves us with a thought: Much effort, much prosperity.

A closing thought: Our age, most certainly, lulls us into believing that happiness is associated with money and power, the last of the five additions (alcohol, drugs, sex, money, and power). The sages of old teach that this is not true. True happiness only exists from within. To be achieved, two beliefs must exist. The belief that it endures and secondly, the realization that it can be assessed through effort, prayer, and meditation.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about happiness and how it can be uncovered.

To be noted: From Michel de Montaigne (8) — We can be knowledgeable with other men’s knowledge but we cannot be wise with other men’s wisdom.

Just for fun: