I'm mortal and want to enjoy the little time I have in existence. A young waitress once asked the Dalai Lama what the meaning of life is, and he replied "happiness". I'm not sure how she felt about that answer, but it feels right to me. Though it turns out he wasn't advocating complete hedonism (see Existentialism vs Nihilism).
I want to spend a little time once in a while cultivating a collection of discusssions on what makes people happy.
Do I think I will find the answer? No.
I just think it is worth a little time every now-and-again considering my own happiness, fullfillment, or peace-of-mind.
- Why So Many Smart People Aren’t Happy - The Atlantic
- This is a short interview with an author who conducted a lot of research into why successful/richer/smarter people weren't happier. While I'm not sure I would want to read his self-help book, the short-form version here is a pleasant discussion about decision-making and life goals.
- Hedonic Treadmill - The Happier Human
- A treatise on the importance of being adaptable. Well-referenced, though not un-biased.
Have you heard a clear discussion of what makes a person happy? Please share!
Leave a comment below with a link to a: book, website, article, poem, or anything else you think is relevant.