What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness - "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."
Did you notice the very similar quote from Schopenhauer at the bottom of this page? "“What disturbs and depresses young people is the hunt for happiness on the firm assumption that it must be met with in life. From this arises constantly deluded hope and so also dissatisfaction. Deceptive images of a vague happiness hover before us in our dreams, and we search in vain for their original. Much would have been gained if, through timely advice and instruction, young people could have had eradicated from their minds the erroneous notion that the world has a great deal to offer them.”
For the record: I disagree. The far greater and sadder error is for young people to renounce their own happiness before they've even begun. We should set our sites on both meaning and happiness.
I agree. We should seek both. However, I also think that seeking meaning can lead to happiness. But, that quote is quite pessimistic in my view as well.
I also agree. Why shouldn't you be able to strive for both? You should not divert the youth away from happiness. It seems like a bad first step in life. I've heard far to many stories of kids committing suicide. It's sad because often times they have not delved into themselves to find what makes them happy.
This is a most excellent video. I like especially the discussion of the importance of goal-setting to achieve a meaningful life, and the resulting happiness.
One should definitely strive for both. When the youth does not get to find happiness in various things, why strive to find a meaning then? But I do agree that finding a meaning can lead to happiness. Although that is true, everyone is different in the way they perceive things. Thus, happiness and meaning is obtained differently for every person.
Did you notice the very similar quote from Schopenhauer at the bottom of this page? "“What disturbs and depresses young people is the hunt for happiness on the firm assumption that it must be met with in life. From this arises constantly deluded hope and so also dissatisfaction. Deceptive images of a vague happiness hover before us in our dreams, and we search in vain for their original. Much would have been gained if, through timely advice and instruction, young people could have had eradicated from their minds the erroneous notion that the world has a great deal to offer them.”
ReplyDeleteFor the record: I disagree. The far greater and sadder error is for young people to renounce their own happiness before they've even begun. We should set our sites on both meaning and happiness.
I agree. We should seek both. However, I also think that seeking meaning can lead to happiness. But, that quote is quite pessimistic in my view as well.
ReplyDeleteI also agree. Why shouldn't you be able to strive for both? You should not divert the youth away from happiness. It seems like a bad first step in life. I've heard far to many stories of kids committing suicide. It's sad because often times they have not delved into themselves to find what makes them happy.
ReplyDeleteThis is a most excellent video. I like especially the discussion of the importance of goal-setting to achieve a meaningful life, and the resulting happiness.
ReplyDeleteOne should definitely strive for both. When the youth does not get to find happiness in various things, why strive to find a meaning then? But I do agree that finding a meaning can lead to happiness. Although that is true, everyone is different in the way they perceive things. Thus, happiness and meaning is obtained differently for every person.
ReplyDelete