I don't know why, but Philosophy, or the idea of it, always intrigued me. For DelVal, either Philosophy, Psychology or Sociology must be taken in order to graduate. I was actually quite torn between Philosophy and Psychology... but a good friend of mine is gong to school for Psychology, so any questions I have about the human psyche, I can turn to him for. Although, if my final semester permits me to do so, I would like to take it as well.
So, to my homework. The email has an attached article and then the professor gives 4 questions to ponder. I haven't read the article, but I'd like to try and answer the questions without the bias of the articles author. I'd also like to see what others have to say on the subject... ready?... here goes!!!:
1. Just what exactly is 'happiness' anyway?
I believe that people experience happiness when they have positive relationships with friends and/or family, their health, interests to keep the mind active and challenged, a sense of self-worth and a great appreciation for all the 'small things.' This answer focuses primarily on two basic ideas: the health and synchronization of mind and body. Positive, but challenging, relationships and an active mind are soooo important to how we treat others and how we handle situations. Bodily health is very important also... if either the mind or body is suffering greatly, the other will suffer as a result. Self-worth. People that bring themselves down, downplay their achievements or surround themselves with negativity find it very difficult to find happiness in life. Don't worship yourself, just appreciate yourself. Appreciation for... everything! The first warm day after a cold, long winter when I get to put my car window all the way down and belt out my favorite tunes... now THAT makes me happy!
2. Is there a difference between 'just feeling happy' and using a drug - caffeine, alcohol, Prozac - to feel happy?
Absolutely. The problem with people that turn towards 'drugs' for happiness is that they are looking for instant gratification and not attempting to fix the underlying problems. They may feel happy for a night or a day, but ultimately guilt and un-satisfaction will take over that false sense of being happy and that person may feel worse than before. These items, with prolonged and heavy use, will wear on the persons body and being unhealthy, as I've previously stated, is not good for the mind.
3. Can we be happy when those around us aren't happy; is that ok?
It is possible to be around people that aren't happy... for a short period of time. Ex: I like to think of myself as a generally happy person. I am have good friends, great family, am passionate about the things that interest me, am in generally good health and seem to have a pretty active and capable mind. The one wrench in my gear though (and I'm sorry Wes) can be Wes' parents, more specifically, his mother. I don't know why, but she tends to be a relatively miserable person. This 'misery' and her, often times, irrational thinking process can really, really affect me negatively. For a woman, such as herself, that seemingly has very few 'problems' in her life, it really makes me wonder why she acts like such a miserable person (this is why I need to take Psych!!!).
Is it ok? To be happy when those around you are not? Yes. But, as the saying goes, 'misery loves company.' When unhappy people are around happy people, they do not want those happy people to remain happy. They will make you feel guilty, whether they are jealous or just bullying, and it will eventually 'get inside your head,' and unhappy thoughts and feelings will become easier to experience.
When you learn that you should not feel guilty for being happy around those that are not is truly an accomplishment.
4. Should 'happiness' be the end goal for an individual?
Yes and No. While is important for a person to be happy, I believe that an individuals ultimate goal is to have as many experiences and learn as much as possible. Not being a religious person, I believe that this is our only chance to live so we must make the best of it. Experiences build character and mind. These 'experiences' may differ from person to person in worth, but that's the point. That's what keeps the world diversified and functioning.
On the same page, I worked with a fella last night/this morning that is completely content with being 30-something, working the 3rd shit at a WaWa and living in his parents basement. He may be 'content' with his situation, but I would hate to think that his mind fully appreciates the mindless job he does, day in, day out. And this is where I get conflicted on what I've already stated. Society needs people like him that are 'happy' being a convenience store worker until the day they die.
Being stuck at WaWa into my 30's is what my nightmares consist of but for some people, that might mean they're living their dream. It's all relative I guess.
This assignment seemed pretty straightforward when I first glanced at it... and I fully agree with my answers for the first couple of questions.... but when you get the last question, it gets more difficult. I think there is a general guideline for what needs to be present and absent in order for people to feel happy... but that the nitty-gritty differs greatly from person to person.
I still need to read the article... then maybe these questions won't seem so random and slightly more addressed... but I think I'm more or less happy with my extremely optimistic responses!!!!!
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