Jonathan's comments

"Russel writes how the idea of sin creates limitations when pursuing happiness. Based upon your beliefs and experiences, do you believe Russel's view on sin and the idea of sin is true?
As a factual question: What does Russel say about happiness that requires intoxication?"

Like most of the book so far, Russel seems to be focusing on select groups of individuals and their experiences and deeming them unhappy. For those individuals he is probably right, but for those who are not victims of competition, boredom, fatigue,envy, sense of sin, persecution, and fear of public opinion; it's really not an issue with them.

"I was interested in the last book we read about Buddhist teachings and approach to happiness, but find the current readings for this class much more appealing. B.R. is obviously not a believer in anything supernatural and this is a huge draw for me. i am a recovering roman catholic that finds his views on religion a much more credible source in my search for happiness and the good life than the Dhali Lama. My discussion question is: Does Russel's rejection of the supernatural and religion make you more or less interested in what he has to say on the pursuit of happiness? Is this a non issue?
Factual Question: what are the two historical examples given for the "megalomaniac" in chapter 1?
Answer: Alexander the Great; Napoleon "

I personaly like how easy his book is to read, but how he characterizes certain groups of people (business men, bored people, fatigued and envious, religious, those suffering from public opinion and so on) is a little extreme and too specific to be of any use of a pursuit of happiness to people who find themselves outside of those groups; or at least as he describes them. It's not that I'm less/more interested, but I feel as though it simply doesn't apply to me.

I would like to apologize for my awkward commenting technique, but I am having trouble commenting again.