No specific prompts or instructions. Just what is in the title. Thank you for your support.
Thinking Happiness: A Synthesis
In order for progress to take place, we must first explore a few questions.
First we must define happiness; a difficult task, considering the number of domains that attempt it.
Happiness can be defined scientifically or unscientifically. Given that the immense practical contribution of science greatly overweighs that of the unscientific domains, it shall be our focus.
Biologically, happiness is a series of reactions due to the secretion of specific substances which act accordingly to the genetic material and the operating principles of the human body.
Psychologically, happiness is a complex reaction to external (social or environmental) stimuli and/or internal stimuli (having as vantage point the various processes of the human mind).
We could consider the various details concerning: different personal meanings, the reasons behind the said meanings, the factors (age, religion/ lack of such, sex, material values, etc.) and how happiness blends to them, recent discoveries and future research, but this is not the purpose of the essay; instead I will briefly, interactively and a little subjectively continue, keeping it as practical as possible.
What do we mean by happiness? That which is unachievable? That which is incognoscible? Relying on the significant amount of data put forth in the recent years from research and studies from all sciences we will attempt the 'impossible'.
We all want to be happy, but largely we don't know the exact means by which we can attain it. Let us go through it again.
As said anteriorly, we will consider a few questions:
1. How do we plan to use what we know?
2. Does it matter what specific purpose we chose?
3. Does it matter we chose a purpose?
Or should we let ourselves be guided largely by subjectivity (namely, pre-established values that embed themselves is us, leaving little room for evolution)? What role does objectivity play in these situations?
1. How do we plan to use what we know?
In order for us to obtain a mental state like that of happiness the Self must be oriented towards a certain goal, but how do we get there?
The discipline of the mind is indispensable. Know yourself: thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotion, wishes, fears, the sources of discomfort - everything. After passed time, compare it with how you were in the past and change where necessary. Continuous adaptation rooted in veridicity.
A series of objective truths are another useful tool towards self-improvement:
a)The only certainty is relativity (Know the oscillating Self)
Trough inductive reasoning, analysing the basic principles of objectivity we eventually find ourselves at this statement. This is not to be perceived as a paradox, the phrasing is as such for an increased ease of remembering. The expansion of the postulate is: Given the current description of the laws of science, in particular the ones that base themselves in the Theory of Chaos, the lack of applicability of the current predictions doesn't ensue the lack of order, but the need for a new analysis, a more thorough analysis which concerns itself with the increased complexity of the system.
The human being, one of the most complex systems in the Universe, calls for such an analysis, with the purpose of finding new principles, and introspection being of the core elements.
b)There can be no right or wrong, fair or unfair (when we talk about morality), except as experience that must be properly handled (thoughts and feelings rationally, logically managed in accordance with reality).
We can't pursue immorality, we are born human. Nature and the environment have made moral, empathetic people out of us (we have the capacity to tell how another feels or would feel in a particular situation) - it would be unwise of us to act against out nature. Of course, when circumstances call for us to break our own rules, in order to help the ones in peril or similar situations, we must only follow through when there is no other choice (the end justifies immoral means only if and when there are no other means).
c) The only purpose in life is the one that you, yourselves give
The same basis: we, as humans were born and raised in order to give life meaning and direction. To 'go against the flow' not only would it be largely counter-productive, but it would be foolish. As said before, when we act against our nature we experience a downfall, a break from reality, an orientation of the Self largely towards one's own perception, the repercussions of which can be seen in mental disorders. The act of giving meaning can and should be a personal action, a search for the true Self, not something imposed by means of indoctrination or coercion.
d) Everything comes forth from the human mind
Stimulated, of course, by the environment - which can be classified as such: the outer world and the inner world (the biological and psychological processes). The mind is the one that sorts, interprets, processes.
Even our discomforts. Take your mind off the discomfort, lead it towards the solution and apply it in the measure that it can be applied at the given moment. Worries, anger, sadness must not be supressed; instead we must follow an adequate and correct adaptation to the environment and the Self so that an excess would not be considered necessary by the human unconscious.
2.Does it matter what specific purpose we choose?
Everybody has something that makes them happy, but we can find guidance in rules that ensure a proper functioning:
- The purpose must be properly analysed before applying it;
- The purpose must be a realistic one (in order for this to be ensured, reality must be known thoroughly known, and thus the selection criteria must be in accordance with the current collective human knowledge.) The more in-depth knowledge in the subjects that concern us, the better.
- The purpose must be focused upon as much as possible until it becomes automatized
Let's say we have attained a certain level of knowledge, let's say we have progressed due to the cumulative knowledge of the most apt people, either alive or dead, that can offer it. We have discovered that many subjects are complementary and that it forms a broad 'world view', capable of offering (at every point in time) information concerning the different situations we find ourselves in. The use of it not only offers contentment, but more so, it proves itself useful in almost every situation (logical or sentimental) in which we find ourselves in.
At first, the details will not be in great numbers, of course, but as time goes on they will keep building up. Under no circumstances do I consider such details indispensable at the first stages; the essential must be learnt first.
3. Does it matter if we chose a purpose?
What do I mean by this question? With the development of the broad 'world view', although strictly at a base level at first, we undeniably get to this stage of asking this question; maybe even sooner.
If we science tells us that we are merely the result of events governed by physical, chemical, and biological laws why should we give meaning? Wouldn't it be illogical to live life like personal Sisyphus', constantly persevering in vain? This is a question that might eventually make room in our minds.
We must avoid this type of thought that the last step of achieving happiness instils. Meaning is value and value cannot be bestowed by an unconscious entity. We are the ones with the task at hand and must not give way to faulty logic. Weather an action is in vain or not depends on the person at hand, but we must not forget to match ourselves with the demands of the environment, so that both our body and our mind can prosper.
Offering meaning is a personal uplifting action which must not be overlooked. Countless minds have attempted such a task leaving us to continue their legacy. With the help of the ones that have to offer us great knowledge in specific subjects upon which a healthy development depends our path is lessened. With the help of reason, matching ourselves with reality we can bring great value to ourselves and others, enjoy our lives, experience contentment and most of all, achieve happiness.
This is a great discussion, very clever. I think it could be a lot better if it included some citations of professional journals or books by authorities in relevant fields. If you keep it like like this it is a good critical thinking piece, but it could be stronger.
Even our discomforts.--- I think this should be revised so that it is a complete sentence.
Use "and" ---- Let's say we have attained a certain level of knowledge, and let's say...032.+.
What do I mean by this question? With the development of the broad 'world view', although strictly at a base level at first, we undeniably get to this stage of asking this question; maybe even sooner.
I guess I think it is arbitrary to mention how we get to this stage. This sentence is the internal thought process that leads up to the discussion, but maybe it does not need to be part of the discussion.
To improve this, add some references to the findings of studies or quotes by respected authorities, and also check each response to see if there is one sentence that sums up your reply. That helps a lot... a single sentence that tells the reader in a poignant way your answer to the question. :-)
