Maddenation
So you want to be Happy?
I ran across this NYT article on happiness that takes a non-traditional view. It refers to another one of those psychological studies (Kathleen, can you explain why they do these things?) where they question something that should have been obvious in the first place, and find the conventional wisdom wrong. This makes me unhappy, which, if you read the article, is a good thing.
I am reminded of Kathleen’s recent comment where she differentiates (or refers to a book that does this) between “happiness” and “joy.” Patrick came down pretty hard on her, saying something about not trying to keep words captive and make them do your bidding. (Don’t the French do that?) But that’s nit picking. Kathleen’s real point was that the book she read was uplifting and taught her that one could be joyful no matter what their circumstances. This is good, no?
I’ve had a thought recently that may be consistent with the article’s odd view of happiness. I’ve thought that it’s not so good to have it easy. Having it easy allows you to relax possibly too much and spend too much time smelling the roses and too little time solving problems. And yet, I’ve also had the somewhat opposite thought; that you don’t need hardship to build character of prepare you for success. You need a sense of yourself and what you’re capable of, but more, you need values and a willingness to stand up for them. That may bring the joy that Kathleen spoke of; based on inner strength and faith.
Dad • Observations • 06/22/04 • 0 comments
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