When answering the question, what is happiness, there are many things that come to mind. Many different interpretations of the same question can lead to a variety of answers, the state of being happy is called happiness, but what exactly causes us to be happy? In pursuit of happiness I have found that, happiness can be measured in different measures from a low to high range of happiness. One can experience happiness from eating an ice cream cone, however that differs from the happiness of having a promotion at work. Happiness comes in different degrees, it can be simple or it can be a multitude of factors. The topic of “What Is Happiness,” is important to me because it provides clarity: …show more content…
I think this is a very important topic for people to know about because it brought me so many things like: meaning, clarity, wisdom, and tranquility. In the pursuit of happiness one has to remember that it goes beyond our own pleasures and desires. One has to remember the impacts of our actions on other people’s lives. Author Darrin McMahon in his article “In Pursuit of Unhappiness,” mentions how Mill recovers from a depression by allowing himself to look for happiness in another way. Mill says, “ Those only are happy, who have their minds fixed on some other object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others; on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as the means, but as itself an ideal end” (McMahon, “In Pursuit of Unhappiness” 784) In the pursuit of happiness there are several important factors to achieve happiness: finding a purpose, meaning, and love; however, achieving it in a selfless way that benefits not only yourself but others. The second half of happiness is not denying yourself to experience it, living in the present moment, and cherishing the people who make you happy. This …show more content…
Whatever makes it easier to wake up every morning and get through the day is usually what a purpose can help do. In the article “What Makes People Happy” The Top 10 List, Abraham Maslow, “defines self-actualization as the innate human motivation that each of us has to achieve our potential. We experience a sense of fulfillment when using and developing our skills, talents, and abilities When we complete a challenge or task that we are pleased with, we achieve a peak experience of self-actualization and are happy with our achievement.” (What Makes People Happy? The Top Ten List) When finding purpose in life, many people associate their careers as part of their purpose. Thus, finding what type of work to get involved in can be challenging but can be done. Some things to consider when evaluating a good career are: interest level, values, and integrity. If something is interesting and motivates someone to work for a cause or calling those are good indications of the right career path. If a person can view a job as a calling versus a job it can bring a sense of duty and purpose. It is also important to not do a job that may compromise moral values, it would cause tension in the personal life. Integrity is also a major factor when finding a purpose, because you want to be proud of achievements, as long as they do not compromise integrity. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air, writes an inspiring