Perhaps happiness is the absence of unhappiness. So now, what is unhappiness?
Here we go again. Is this like the energy question? Maybe happiness is just the absence of unhappiness and freedom from painful things? Maybe you can't define it but you know it when you see it? Happiness to me is a kind smile. Being with my loved ones. Socializing with my friends. A kind smile from a stranger. Humming a song in my mind. Hearing the birds chirp. Watching the sun rise and set. Watching my teams win. Having the money to do things that I like to do. Having the ability to cope with my pains. A fine meal, with fine wine. Exercise. Seeing a great movie. Drinking a cold glass of water. A kiss from my puppy. Learing new things. Revising old thinking. Changing with the times. A new car. You get the picture, all of the above and much, much more.
Happiness is personal so generalities don't work on this concept.
For me happiness is a warm blackberry pie.
I would like to point out that Aristotle failed to consult me before making that proclamation. I disagree that "the purpose of life is happiness." The purpose of life, in my opinion, is to find meaning, which is usually done through service to others. "Happiness" is fleeting; meaning is forever.
But, the question was "what is happiness?" I guess it's a step up from "contentment" (which is really underrated, IMO). "Happiness" is the feeling resulting from experiencing something pleasurable--finishing that course (successfully), being told you are loved by someone you love, being greeted at the door by your dog with his tail wagging, getting that Amazon box with the cds and books you ordered, the first sip of that really good wine, looking at the beautiful flowers you planted last fall, having a really good conversation with your sister, hearing a favorite song on the radio, being able to sleep for 8 hours (uninterrupted), feeling the wind on your face as you drive your new convertible at night, seeing an email in your "in box" from someone special, cooking for people who really enjoy and appreciate it, a great massage (actually, a so-so massage isn't bad), a new dress that makes you feel sexy or pretty, my team winning the championship (go LSU tigers!), seeing snow fall, holding a newborn baby (especially if you are related to it), pointing your skis down the hill and letting them run (without wiping out!), a very cold beer on a very hot day, a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning, swinging in the hammock, and a really good thunderstorm. That's just a start, but each of these things make ME happy.
Thank You, PS, for setting up the "soap box" for me.
Your discussion of Happiness and that ""Happiness" is fleeting; meaning is forever" points out one of the points on one of Marti's posts earlier--problems with translating from one language to another.
Aristotle's word "eudaimonia" is always translated into English as 'happiness', but he means, not a feeling, but a state or condition that once achieved, can be maintained, perhaps even to death. Some scholars have suggested translating "eudaimonia" as "well-being" or "human flourishing", but publishers don't want that.
Anytime, Search. Glad to be of service.
(So the listing was useless? Well, it made me happy to make a list of things that make me happy!)
Happiness was the quiet contentment of my first weeks in my condo, which I bought myself after leaving a very empty marriage.
Happiness was hearing I had the job of my dreams two years ago.
Happiness was hearing that the cancer hadn't spread.
Happiness was hearing that I am now cancer-free.
Happiness is winning more cribbage games than I lose, especially when I fine (online) opponents who use good sportsmanship.
Happiness is my cat enjoying her night-time snuggle after I lay down and before I am allowed to read.
Happiness is knowing I am not only "getting by" but (by my own hard word and sensible living) getting ahead.
Happiness is being able to call my two healthy children and tell them I love them.
Happiness is basking in the rare warm and sunny summer day we have in Alaska.
Happiness is getting pm's from friends, or wannabe friends.
Happiness is actually the bulk of my life these days, and it was hard won and is much appreciated.
Yeah, I know. Happiness is a warm puppy. But I'm not asking what makes you happy; I'm asking what is this "happiness" that everyone goes on about and seems to use as some kind of "benchmark" to evaluate lives?
Damn. It IS like the energy post. ' What is happiness' no more has an answer than 'what is energy' or 'what is time'.
All we can say about energy is that we can feel it.
All we can say about time is that we can see its effects.
And all we can say about happiness are lists.
Joy and Sorrow
A question was posed a while ago about " What is Happiness?" It is my own belief that unless you have known sorrow, only then will you be able to feel real joy and happiness when it comes your way! I like to quote my favorite author, Kahlil Gibran when he states:
" Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper your sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find that it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say: "Joy is greater than sorrow."and others say, " Nay, sorrow is the greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upn your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
