IS THERE REALLY A PATH TO TRUE HUMAN HAPPINESS?

By Saani

Happiness is not a chemical. It is not an object. It is not something you can touch, or smell, or hear, or eat – but you can feel it. It’s a sensation that can come across your body; an emotion that’s so strong it can overpower any worries or fears. It can make you feel as if you could touch the clouds. However, just because we see people smiling, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are happy. Anyone can say they are happy, but how can we know if they mean it? This leads me to the question: is there a path to true human happiness?

Many people say that in order to achieve happiness, you need to please yourself and avoid any sort of pain. This is commonly known as hedonistic happiness. For example, if someone gave you a chocolate bar, you would feel happy – but once that bar is finished, you would chuck away the wrapper and never think of it again. Hedonistic happiness is often short-sighted and temporary, and although it might satisfy a human’s desires, in my view, it is not the best path to true happiness. This is for the simple reason that it does not last – if an eternal smile is not placed on the human face, they are not truly happy.

On the other hand, the eudaemonic side takes a more long-run view of happiness. It argues that we should live for the greater good. We should display kindness, honesty, and courage. When people talk about their feelings, it is scientifically proven that they feel happier, because they are allowed to work their way out of negative emotions. As a famous quote states, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up’.

If everyone was to take the hedonistic approach, they would have to keep searching for a new pleasure or experience. Negative feelings would be ignored, and this could cause stress and sudden bursts of anger. On the other hand, eudaemonic happiness requires people to express their feelings, give to others and strive for something greater than their own needs. Even though sometimes treating yourself is ideal, helping others evokes another kind of happiness. Whether it’s donating to charity, inspiring others or even just kindly smiling to a person who looks upset, you could make someone’s day a whole lot better. That, I think, more than anything, is the real path to true joy.

Thus, it is possible to attain happiness in the long-term if you follow the right directions. It can be tough, and you may sometimes feel unappreciated but sharing gives you a deeper level of happiness. All you must think about is the fact that someone is having a better day because of you – and that thought will often be enough to make you happier. Remember: Do not smile for the sake of it. Smile because you want to make others smile.