What is happiness? Consider this question from the perspective of some of history's most influential thinkers…
- Confucius used the term “jen” — which implies conveying dignity to others. It had a communal sentiment emphasizing harmony.
- Buddha advocated compassion for all beings and detachment from one’s illusory fears and desires. Happiness lies in transcending dualism.
- Lao Tzu focused on the paradoxical and intuitive nature of the human experience. He taught living in accord with The Tao which means “the way” or the natural unfolding of the universe.
- Aristotle emphasized moderation (temperance) and felt that happiness was a matter of reflection on what amount of virtue you have contributed to the world.
- Hedonism conceptualizes happiness as matter of positive emotion and pleasurable sensation.
- Utilitarianism argues for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Logotherapy focuses on meaning as the foundation for the good life.
- Uchida & Ogihara analyzed various cultural contexts and explain some key differences across traditions: “In European-American cultural contexts, happiness is construed as including experience of a highly desirable and positive emotional state defined in terms of a high arousal state such as excitement and a sense of personal achievement. Moreover, individual happiness is best predicted by personal goal attainment and high self-esteem or self-efficacy. In contrast, in East Asian cultural contexts (i.e., those found in Japan), happiness is construed as including experience of both positive and negative emotional state. Happiness is defined in terms of experiencing a low arousal state such as calmness and interpersonal connectedness and harmony. Furthermore, individual happiness is best predicted by relationship harmony and emotional support from others.” (REFERENCE)
- There are many “modern” perspectives as well (note this distinction is relatively arbitrary, what is now modern will soon be historic). There are many models and theories that explain “what” happiness is.
Keywords & Nodes
Einstein (Western Science) and Buddha (Eastern Mysticism) converge on many of their beliefs.
The essential idea of Zen (Buddhism) is developing healthy non-attachment to “self” and preferences through mental training.