The Happiness Dilemna

Jon Schmidt The Happiness Dilemma Happiness is commonly regarded as a figment of the human imagination, a mirage or façade of well-being in one’s life. However, happiness truly is a choice, not merely a set caste that a human being is set into by fate. Happiness is, in essence, what people make it, and the choice of happiness is reflected all throughout history and literature. For example, Brutus from Julius Caesar chose his happiness, as does doctor Gregory House from the popular series “House.” They are both examples of people who could have chosen happiness in a siuation, but they failed to do so.

First, Brutus from Julius Caesar loved Caesar and was one of his closest friends.

Contrastingly, as the story progresses, Brutus becomes very unhappy with his current situation and the affairs of Rome. His unhappiness stems from a deep concern for the citizens of Rome.

However, despite the altruism of his intentions, he could have chosen to remain happy. Such blissful ignorance of the present state of affairs could have permitted him to remain a happy, content individual. The question, however, is not whether the happiness described is just. The question remains whether or not that happiness is a choice, that despite all motivations and intentions it is a medium of free will. In the case of Brutus, personal happiness was always salvageable.

Doctor Gregory House from the popular TV show “House” is another outstanding example of happiness as a choice. House is in constant misery, both due to the pain of his injured leg and his own cynical brilliance. However, House could have just as easily chosen happiness over this attitude of unrivaled pessimism. He still maintains a steady job, receives good benefits for his work, and consistently is allowed to violate hospital rules without any obvious repercussions. House has all of these good things in his life, but in retrospect he is still an extraordinarily depressed individual. His depression arises fro the mere fact that he chooses to remain upset about his situation. All of this time, he could have been examining the positive aspects of his life. He could have been focusing on what is good rather than what is bad, and he could have prevented the bad from consuming his persona.

Both Brutus and Gregory House demonstrate the qualities of a happy and a sad person.

They are both endowed with many blessings, and both have the ability to overlook the flaws that make them unhappy. The same abilities must be applied in the lives of all people if they want a truly fulfilling life. Everyone must realize that they emulate both the positives and negatives of their character. This emulation must motivate all people to try to lead a better, happier life.