When it comes to such philosophical questions as "what do you pursue in life", a great variety of answers are always expected. And yet, few people would reject the idea of attaining happiness as one of their major goals. The question, however, lies in "how" can one be happy? What should we do or what should we have in order to be happy?
On the top of our heads, we may well give credits to monetary possessions, impressive educational backgrounds, and satisfying marital relationships, regarding them as primary contributors to one's happiness. But is it really so? Do people really become happy once they make enough money, (And how much is enough?), earn a Harvard Ph.D degree, or marry Prince William?
Quite a few of these quick responses are likely to come from our fantasies, anecdotes heard from media or our circle of friends, but to what degree would you attach truth values to them? From a scientific point of view then, how do research have to tell us? What are the things that can truly make us authentically happy people? Are the inclinations to be happy already written in our genes? How can we do to prolong our state of happiness? How much do you buy the "happiness boosters" recommended by those phychology researchers? Can people get happiER? Below is the link to a very interesting article attempting to answer all these thought-provoking questions. Take a look guys!
Major reading--The New Science of Happiness
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015902,00.html
Related reading-- Staying healthy: Is There a Formula For Joy?
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1004095,00.html
With the above intro to happiness being read, let's go back to the starting point: why do a majority of people put happiness on top ranks of their priority list for life goals? Does it presuppose the notion that happiness brings in all other benefits? That is, can we be better off IF we are happy? Here's another short article on this flip side of argument:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1708821,00.html
Last but not least, as a final touch to this issue, here's a movie review on "Happy-go-lucky." Not sure if you have watched it; but if not, do check out the trailer yo~
1. movie review:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1848846,00.html
2. trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd4EG6BeDV0
Well, that's almost it. We'll talk more about the issue this thursday night. Until then, be happy! :)
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