The philosopher Hermann Hesse noted, “Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else.” Sam understood the pursuit of happiness was a personal journey of discovery.
Sam now grasped that lasting happiness would take more than fleeting pleasures – it required living a purposeful life, full of meaning. Sam looked forward to diving deeper into how to cultivate this lasting contentment. They knew the journey would require challenging old habits and mindsets. But Sam felt hope that true fulfillment was possible.
Modern life makes us less happy
Cultural tendencies, especially in western societies like the US, contribute to fleeting happiness along with biological and historical considerations. Many people widely misinterpret the phrase “the pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence. American culture adds to human flaws and offers little answers.
These tendencies require a deeper analysis than what we can offer here, but a few key points should be stated immediately. Being happy is challenging because of how we were born and evolved. However, societal and cultural factors can also hinder both wellness and happiness. Looking at present ways of thinking and acting via this prism reveals areas for improvement.
Americans’ obsession with “the pursuit of happiness”
People in the West often think that finding happiness is the right thing to do. The quest for happiness is one of the few reasons to do something that doesn’t need more explanation. But is it possible to base our lives on something so obviously wrong?
Most people would interpret “pursuit” to mean “seeking happiness,” as in “in hot pursuit.” If this is the case, “the pursuit of happiness” refers to an active process of finding fulfillment.
Yet, as Daniel Gilbert observed, “People want to be happy, and all the other things they want are typically meant to be a means to that end.” When people talk about “the pursuit of happiness,” they don’t mean pursuing happiness as much as experiencing happiness itself.
This is shown not just by writings from the same time as the Declaration of Independence but also by the Declaration itself, in the same language. In continuation, it discusses the effects on people’s safety and happiness. Nonetheless, the Declaration of Rights adopted by the Virginia Convention on June 12, 1776—just a few short weeks before Independence Day on July 4—may provide the best answer. The Virginia Declaration explicitly mentions the “pursuing and obtaining” of happiness.
Going after happiness is one thing, but getting it and living it—practicing happiness!—is a whole other thing. This is the chasm between daydreaming and awake life. Remember that the Declaration of Independence describes the pursuit of happiness not as a goal or a hobby but as “an unalienable right”.
“The pursuit of happiness at all costs is causing us pain.”
Living a life full of happiness would be ideal. Of course, there are other choices besides increasing satisfaction. Even the most blessed human life is fraught with suffering. Experiencing bodily pain from an accident, illness, or emotional suffering from boredom, loneliness, or despair. As long as we’re alive, we’re going to experience pain. One way to drive pain into almost every individual is with a declining economy.
Reading about American culture’s fixation on chasing happiness, Sam saw aspects of themself reflected. Like many Americans, Siddhartha also initially believed obtaining happiness was an end goal to strive for.
However, Sam now understood that lasting joy comes from within, just as Siddhartha learned during his spiritual journey. Their eyes were opened to the futility of viewing happiness as some destination or goal to seize. Sam aspired to savor the journey instead.
Economic stagnation
While modern life provides many conveniences, economic factors like stagnant wages and rising costs have bred discontent for many. Sam could relate, frustrated by making less money while expenses like healthcare and rent rose exponentially.
This economic instability contributed to Sam’s unhappiness, leading to questions of life’s purpose. Like Siddhartha, Sam realized finding lasting fulfillment would require looking beyond material wealth. While practical needs mattered, happiness would come from simplicity and generosity, not status.
This revelation aligned with philosophies explored later. Despite modern prosperity, flaws in today’s economy caused suffering, revealing happiness arises internally, not externally. Financial challenges were opportunities for Sam to refine priorities and values.
Toxic positivity
Sam thinking back on platitudes offered at their uncle’s funeral. “He’s in a better place now,” mourners had said, intending comfort. But Sam knew such toxic positivity only intensified grief. Dismissing painful emotions as unacceptable could not nurture true healing.
As Whitney Goodman observed, “Healthy positivity means making space for both reality and hope. Toxic positivity denies an emotion and forces us to suppress it. When we use toxic positivity, we are telling ourselves and others that this emotion shouldn’t exist, it’s wrong, and if we try just a little bit harder, we can eliminate it entirely.” This phenomenon has roots in history and culture.
In the 19th century, the prevailing Calvinist outlook was deeply pessimistic about human nature. Then the New Thought Movement, pioneered by Phineas Quimby, gained popularity by promoting the power of optimism and positive thinking.
Quimby believed illness could be cured by adjusting one’s mental frame. His teachings heavily influenced the development of medical and psychological fields. Thinkers like Napoleon Hill built on this foundation in bestselling books that urged adopting a positive mindset to achieve success.
But in the 21st century, insisting on constant positivity became twisted into something unhealthy. Toxic positivity now pervades society, from self-help books to social media. Dismissing negative emotions or shaming others for expressing them causes harm.
Sam cringed, thinking back on times they had slathered on a fake smile, insisting all was fine when turmoil roiled inside. Thinking of Siddhartha on his spiritual journey, Sam vowed to acknowledge their own full range of emotions rather than repressing anything. Like Siddhartha, Sam would maintain hope while being open and authentic. Healthy positivity would come from openness, not denial.
Comfort & convenience
While convenience is a hallmark of modern living, it has yet to exactly lead to increased contentment. As Michael Easter observed, “We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, underchallenged, safety-netted lives.” The key point is that while modern conveniences are nice, they only sometimes bring us happiness.
Although modern conveniences have definitely improved our quality of life, one cannot equate ease with contentment. Many folks appear to be more anxious and down than ever before. Now, instead of dealing with the elements, people must deal with mental obstacles like worry and fatigue at work. Trying to forget our problems by stuffing our faces with food, drinking, or staring at screens makes us feel worse. Modern life and government have further entrenched in people’s life and snuffed out the instinctual elements that contribute to our happiness, but also in part because civilians are giving up more of their freedoms.
Humans have an innate need for reassurance, but that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. As Sigmund Freud observed, “Civilized man has exchanged some part of his chances of happiness for a measure of security.” A school of thought among anthropologists suggests people were happier several centuries ago. Our wants were less and more easily met, and we had a built-in tendency toward present-moment awareness.
In addition, it is paradoxical that in our day of plenty, people still seek pleasure and attempt to avoid suffering at all costs. Spending our hard-earned cash in the pursuit of convenience is a surefire recipe for misery. As Michael Easter observed, “But a radical new body of evidence shows that people are at their best—physically harder, mentally tougher, and spiritually sounder—after experiencing the same discomforts our early ancestors were exposed to everyday. Scientists are finding that certain discomforts protect us from physical and psychological problems like obesity, heart disease, cancers, diabetes, depression, and anxiety, and even more fundamental issues like feeling a lack of meaning and purpose.” When you seek pleasure, pain always follows it, but when you seek pain first, pleasure follows it. Pursuing instant gratification and taking the easy way out can only lead to misery.
Information revolution
The rapid pace of technological change in the information revolution has profoundly affected society. Innovations like the internet, smartphones, and social media have brought convenience but also disrupted norms. Tools that connect us digitally often leave us feeling more isolated.
Our brains evolved for face-to-face social interaction over thousands of years. But new technologies remove critical in-person cues like body language, touch, and eye contact. Staring at screens has replaced conversing with friends. Online relationships tend to lack depth and meaning compared to real-world bonds.
This isolation is especially acute for Millennials and Gen Z, who came of age alongside technology. Rates of loneliness, anxiety, and depression have surged in these generations. Humans crave real community and stimulation. But technology overly satisfies these needs with shallow digital engagement. Our psyches aren’t adapting as fast as silicon valley invents new gadgets.
While innovations offer useful tools, over-reliance on technology displaces social-emotional needs. Achieving balance is critical. Thoughtfully integrating tech, while still prioritizing genuine connections, may help ease the loneliness epidemic technology itself created.
A fragile, anxious society
Certain societal shifts have bred more anxiety and fragility. Phenomena like helicopter parenting and participation trophies for all foster over-praise, under-preparation for hardship, and a sense of entitlement. Sheltering youth from adversity or failure warps their coping abilities.
Meanwhile, the media amplifies conflict and spreads envy. News profits by stoking outrage and division. Social media rewards the loudest, most extreme voices. This pollution of the information ecosystem divides society into polarized camps.
The internet also provides limitless avenues for negativity. Cyber-bullying, misinformation, anonymous trolling, these behaviors spread like a virus. And research confirms negative interactions carry more weight than positive ones. This topples the delicate balance of human psychology.
Individual grit and resilience suffer the consequences. Each generation grows up more risk-averse, taking less responsibility. Mental health issues are rising. By over-protecting and over-connecting youth, society has bred more fragile, anxious archetypes. Finding balance and learning true coping skills is the antidote.
Thus, we also ask ourselves, “why would anyone want to be perpetually happy?” It makes people lazy that someone would lie down all day eating grapes rather than getting anything done.
Some drawbacks of too much happiness include the possibility of becoming a “head above the clouds,” which might lead to less originality than in persons whose emotions are more nuanced. In addition, they are more likely to take risks without fully considering the consequences, since they are oblivious to or choose to ignore potential dangers or excessively spend money. Like most things, moderation is vital, but it’s preferable to tip the scales toward joy rather than sadness.
Surrounded by modern amenities, Sam was frequently anything but happy. They wondered if constant comfort made them take life’s blessings for granted.
Sam thought of how Siddhartha rejected a life of ease and luxury with Kamala, instead of living simply as an ascetic and ferryman. He found greater purpose in those unconventional lives.
Seeking convenience above all had led to emptiness for Sam. Like Siddhartha, Sam longed for simpler times, when life meant more than chasing the next luxury. They pared down possessions and learned to find joy again in life’s basic gifts.
If inner fulfillment was the goal, the philosophical schools of thought offered more actionable guidance. Stoics advocated controlling emotions through reason. Epicureans linked happiness to moderate living. Aristotle preached cultivating virtue. Their teachings contained ethical insights for Sam to apply toward a flourishing life.
The philosophy of happiness
Hermann Hesse observed, “When someone seeks, then it easily happens that his eyes see only the thing that he seeks, and he is able to find nothing, to take in nothing because he always thinks only about the thing he is seeking.” Like Siddhartha, Sam aimed to explore philosophies of happiness with an open mind, not seeking validation but wisdom.
Hesse also wrote, “I have had to experience so much stupidity, so many vices, so much error, so much nausea, disillusionment and sorrow, just in order to become a child again.” Sam knew the journey would require perseverance through challenges to find lasting joy.
In studying schools of thought like Stoicism, Epicureanism and Buddhism, Sam hoped to sample their insights with Siddhartha’s spirit of openness. The Greeks and Christianity shaped European ideas tying morality to societal roles and duty. But modern individualism shifted focus to personal fulfillment. What universal truths on happiness might diverse philosophies reveal? Sam read on eagerly.
Aristotle
In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle argued that true happiness (eudaimonia) comes from pursuing virtue and realizing our human potential – not simply seeking pleasure.
Aristotle saw cultivating virtues and achieving excellence as central to fulfillment. He believed actively developing moral virtues like courage, generosity and wisdom was key to happiness. Aristotle stated, “happiness requires developing virtue and striking a balance between extremes of behavior.”
His teachings on patiently building character through practice resonated with Sam. By pursuing virtues like courage and moderation, perhaps eudaimonia was within reach.
Stoicism
Stoics believed happiness comes from living virtuously and pursuing one’s calling. They encourage evaluating emotions rationally rather than suppressing them.
Stoics advised individuals to pause and decide if a feeling was justified before reacting. They contrasted emotions with constructive, principled actions.
The Stoics practiced exercises like:
- Differentiating between what one can and cannot control – Fruitlessly wishing to change external forces wastes energy better directed inward.
- Loving fate – Happiness comes not from getting what we want, but wanting what we get. Embrace all encounters.
- Negative visualization – Preparing for the worst brings equanimity when facing setbacks.
- Focusing on the present – Dwelling on past and future robs us of enjoying the moment.
Learning Stoic self-reflection and focus freed Sam from constant frustration. They learned to shift perspective and accept what is. Stoicism’s wisdom brought equanimity.
Sam thought of Siddhartha joining the ascetics, who believed enlightenment came through renouncing pleasures. But like Siddhartha, Sam knew extreme self-denial was not the path to happiness. Sam knew that moderation and discipline were needed, not austerity.
Epicureanism
Epicureanism linked happiness to a moderate lifestyle free of excess. The philosopher Epicurus taught that true happiness comes from calmness and lack of pain, not material pursuits.
Epicurus believed seeking freedom from anxiety (ataraxia-at·a·rax·ia) and avoiding suffering (aponia-apo·nia) led to contentment. He promoted a minimalist lifestyle and moderation of desires.
Epicurus stated that to find inner calm, one must master appetites and avoid overindulgence. Living temperately and virtuously was central to his teachings.
The call to restrain desires deeply resonated with Sam. They saw that finding fulfillment in simplicity and moderation could be freeing. Sam need not be enslaved by material cravings.
Christianity
The 13th century philosopher Thomas Aquinas believed perfect happiness is found in the “contemplation of Divine things” and the Beatific Vision of God. Aquinas agreed with Aristotle that cultivating virtue leads to happiness, but saw perfect joy as only achievable through contemplating the divine.
Aquinas stated “perfect happiness consists entirely in contemplation” of God, while imperfect happiness combines contemplation and virtuous action. Though reason brings some joy, ultimate fulfillment comes from unity with God.
Jesus Christ also outlined principles for happiness through virtuous living. His two great commandments were: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Loving God fully requires total devotion of one’s emotions, intellect, essence and abilities. Loving neighbors selflessly involves patience and removing feelings of superiority. Following Christ’s commandments provides meaning and contentment.
While not religious, Sam appreciated these profound moral insights. Loving others selflessly by looking beyond ego was challenging but worthwhile work. Letting go of envy and judgment could bring great freedom.
Buddhism
The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental tenet of Buddhist philosophy. The ultimate goal of the Noble Eightfold Path is Nirvana, an eternal state of tranquility where all suffering has been eliminated. Only by conquering many desires can one reach true contentment. Cultivating a selfless concern for the well-being of all sentient beings is another essential Buddhist teaching.
The four noble truths outlined a path away from anguish towards enlightenment that piqued Sam’s curiosity. Letting go of attachment and destructive cravings could be incredibly liberating.
It drew Sam to the Buddhist teachings on desire and suffering. Though the Buddha attained enlightenment on his own, Sam admired how he remained open to learning from others on his spiritual journey. Sam hoped to emulate that openness while still walking their own path, gaining insights from various teachings while trusting their inner wisdom.
Habits to cultivate happiness
After exploring philosophical perspectives, Sam considered tangible habits for daily life. Like Siddhartha finding meaning by the river, connecting with nature boosted Sam’s mood and understanding.
Happiness arose through practice, not pursuit. Small actions like gratitude journaling, being present outdoors, and cherishing relationships nurtured fulfillment.
Developing habits like meditation provided space for introspection while reducing stress. Exercise and proper mental healthcare also laid foundations for happiness. Overall, integrating simple joy-boosting rituals created positive ripples reaching all aspects of Sam’s life.
Perception and reaction
The Stoics recognized perception shapes meaning. As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Reality is not fixed—our thinking and perspective give situations their meaning.
Stoic philosopher Epictetus advised accepting circumstances as they unfold, stating: “Do not seek to have events happen as you want them to, but want them to happen as they do.” Rather than exerting energy wishing life was different, he encouraged embracing reality.
Similarly, Seneca the Younger observed, “There are more things to alarm us than to harm us, and we suffer more often in apprehension than reality.” Much suffering arises from our fears about potential outcomes rather than actual events.
Sam took these lessons to heart. Like the Stoics, Sam aimed to focus efforts on what was within their control, rather than getting frustrated by externals. Equanimity emerged from shifting perspectives, not changing conditions. Events were transient, but peace could be found by controlling reactions.
Carpe Diem
The Roman poet Horace coined the Latin phrase “carpe diem” to mean “seize the day.” This philosophy of savoring the present aligned with Stoic teachings, as Seneca urged finding happiness “without anxious dependence upon the future.” Dwelling on past regrets or future worries robs us of enjoying the gifts of the moment.
For example, when debating whether to try a new hobby, like painting, overanalysis often leads to inaction. Taking the carpe diem approach means trying it – either you discover a new passion or gain the life experience of having pursued it. As Horace wrote, “even while we speak, envious time has passed: pluck the day, put little trust in tomorrow!” Rather than idle speculation, carpe diem calls on us to make each day count.
Higher meaning
While pleasure provides temporary satisfaction, lasting fulfillment comes from purpose. As Aristotle wisdom resonates, realizing our human potential leads to eudaimonia. Maslow also saw self-actualization as the highest need.
If a career lacks meaning, exploring new directions can unveil purpose. Happiness often arrives not from planning, but helping others and discovering significance in the unknown. Though practical, Sam knew simply seeking self-gain would not satisfy. A higher purpose beckoned.
Foster and cultivate virtues
The term “virtue” refers to admirable qualities that were crucial for happiness in ancient cultures. However, as Aristotle stated, “True happiness flows from the possession of wisdom and virtue and not from the possession of external goods.” Unlike some societies, Western students are often only encouraged to reflect on morality, rather than practice virtuous acts.
But virtues have practical implications – recognizing and cultivating them is vital for an ethical life. Developing a virtuous character provides confidence in one’s principles. It sets us apart from the crowd, allowing our values to guide decisions rather than external pressure. Practicing charity also fosters connections with others. Aristotle saw virtue development as integral to fulfillment. While discussing virtues abstractly, we must actively live them.
Cultivating virtues fosters connections, boost self-worth, and promote well-being. Kindness and integrity build strong relationships and lead to fulfillment. Altruism, focused on helping others while also benefiting oneself, is a powerful path to happiness.
Love, Work, and Relationships
Humans have an innate need for love and belonging. Relationships provide meaning, especially during hardships. As Neil Pasricha wrote, “There is nothing more satisfying than being loved for who you are and nothing more painful than being loved for who you’re not but pretending to be.”
Authentic bonds offer vital companionship and support. As Sigmund Freud observed, “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.” Love fulfills our need for connection, while work provides accomplishment.
Without these two elements, Freud believed we lack essential fulfillment. Sam aimed to strengthen ties to family and friends, focusing on generous giving over getting. The philosophies made clear that living interdependently was key to happiness.
Authentic pride
Part of love is having genuine pride in oneself. When people are genuinely proud, they exude self-assurance and contentment without arrogance. Humility and helping others are keys to this success. Genuine pride comes from self-respect and respect for others. To value one’s own achievements while acknowledging others.
For example, someone with authentic pride may celebrate running their first marathon while also praising the friends and family who supported their training. They are proud of their athletic accomplishment without boasting or putting down other runners. This type of pride reflects a love for oneself alongside care and compassion for other people.
Don’t negate negative emotions
Feelings that are not positive should be recognized. As Arthur Schopenhauer said, “I know of no greater absurdity than declaring evil to be negative in its character. Evil is just what is positive; it makes its own existence felt.” Essentially, feel your feelings, but don’t dwell on them to the point of inaction.
Instead, notice and acknowledge such emotions. Identify the feeling – anxiety, stress? Don’t give up; understand its source and accept it. Life will have difficult times that evoke emotion, like illness or death. The key is to feel the emotion rather than suppressing it, while not letting it overwhelm you.
The emotional range of emotions is part of who we’re; there is beauty in the sometimes drib and drab moments to invite us to slow down and focus. When we better understand the root cause of negative emotions, sometimes they’re just fleeting natural responses to life’s circumstances or motifs to something more profound that warrants scrutiny. An examined life is a healthier and happier one than the unexamined one.
Sensual relishing of all senses
Happiness is fleeting because our brains release dopamine when we experience joy, which motivates us to continually seek more. Emotions propel us forward – the word “emotion” derived from Latin for “to move away.” In this way, feelings dislodge our inertia and inspire action. A moderate degree of sensory pleasure can promote contentment. However, hyperrational people often cannot balance intellectual pursuits with activities providing positive bodily sensations.
They may see physical experiences as primitive, overthink happiness, and neglect to prioritize it. Yet relishing our senses is key for well-being. For instance, thoughtfully savoring a warm cup of tea, noticing its aroma and flavor, allows us to fully engage the present moment. When we mindfully activate all our senses, we can cultivate more sustained happiness.
As Hesse wrote, “Wisdom is not communicable. The wisdom which a wise man tries to communicate always sounds foolish.” This reminded Sam that while guidance could be useful, lasting happiness ultimately comes from within.
It gave them hope to know fulfillment could grow through small, consistent actions tailored to their own inner needs and values. The habits would help reveal Sam’s unique path, but the journey itself was personal.
The Gist
Diving deep into the pursuit of happiness filled Sam with renewed motivation. Yet, as Hesse wrote, “Wisdom cannot be imparted.” Sam understood others could not grant lasting fulfillment, only discovered through personal experience.
Still, the journey had shattered assumptions and oriented Sam toward inner peace. They now saw that happiness arose by living purposefully, not chasing desires. This knowledge was a compass, pointing the way forward.
The path to joy would be complex, demanding perseverance and an openness to change old habits. As Hesse observed, “When someone seeks, then it easily happens that his eyes see only the thing that he seeks.” Sam would need to explore with an open mind, without rigid expectations.
But Sam felt hope. With a new perspective on the cultural forces and human nature underlying the pursuit of happiness, they were ready to walk the winding path. Achieving lasting contentment would require actively nurturing it. The journey of a thousand miles began with a single step. Eyes wide open, Sam took that first step toward the inner light.
