The Declaration of Independence proclaims the pursuit of happiness to be an inalienable human right. But Thomas Jefferson might be surprised at today’s mounting crowds of seekers. A host of social science researchers and allied practitioners are developing a “science of happiness.” Among other projects, researchers are compiling happiness “indexes” and comparative happiness scores for countries and individuals. The new study of happiness, or subjective well being, is a growing interdisciplinary field; college courses are offered that explore the why and wherefore of human flourishing—complete with homework assignments and happiness exercises. I myself have taken the Philosophy of Happiness course at Middle Tennessee State University. Any monopoly that religion or political philosophy once held as the favored guides to Eden is over.
Aristotle summed this up best when he said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human experience." With the exception of survival, happiness is the goal behind every human activity.* Reflection on the definition of happiness suggests that it is a personal experience, therefore also a personal responsibility. How and if one chooses to accept this responsibility is as individual as a breath.
Aristotle summed this up best when he said, "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human experience." With the exception of survival, happiness is the goal behind every human activity.* Reflection on the definition of happiness suggests that it is a personal experience, therefore also a personal responsibility. How and if one chooses to accept this responsibility is as individual as a breath.
I too spent many years waiting for my happiness to come to me, or for someone else to make me happy. Thankfully these days my personal journey for happiness never reaches beyond the bounds that are me.
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