Pursuit of happiness

Humans have always tried to design a life that matches their mental outlook and expectations. Be they the primitive hunter gatherers, or members of the industrial and post-industrial society, they all worked for happiness. And though individuals of every society attain happiness in varying degrees and at different stages of life, absolute happiness seems a distant dream.

Happiness implies different things in different contexts, individuals and society. Hence, no single definition can succinctly sum it up. However, in its simplest form, happiness for a person is when his/her circumstances are in sync with his/her aspirations. A person is said to be happy when his/her circumstances and surroundings are in accordance to what (s)he thinks fit.

One of the most prevalent notions of happiness among the general populace in our society is that riches bring happiness. The beholders of this belief relate contentment and happiness with possessions. More the riches, they opine, happier the life becomes. For them, happiness isn’t an emotion but a frequency and energy the possessions radiate. Such a thinking has put us on the path of ultra-materialism and ceaseless greed, which in turn put us in a vicious cycle of depression and psychological bruise. Even though our generation is the most developed and highly resourceful than of any time in history, we are ironically the most frustrated, and the saddest. Had material possession been the key to happiness, the wealthiest would have had the most serenity, sleep and peace of mind. However, it’s a well-known fact that greater the riches, lesser the happiness. Depression, an increase in suicide cases and mental trauma are some chief characteristics of the wealthiest societies.

Another factor that many people look to find happiness in life is the presence of other people. A large segment of society associates its happiness with others. For them, a friend or a loved one holds the key to their contentment. Since people don’t always deal and behave with others as expected, almost all relating their happiness with others end up in despair and sadness.

The question then arises as to what then can cause one to lead a happy life? The answer to this, though not so simple, can be aptly put as under.

Firstly, simplicity and a need-based life guarantees happiness and peace of mind. Since desires and wishes lie at the root of all resentment and agonies, a simple life where basic needs are met go a long way in bringing happiness. Desires give birth to other, more expensive desires, and thus make one the commuter of a journey which has no destination. Hence, living within means sans desires guarantees self-satisfaction.

Secondly, a life characterised by and in line with nature is another key. A life full of fabrications and artificiality hardly leaves space for serenity and peace. Living in line with nature ensures greater happiness.

Thirdly, and more importantly, a busy life detests sadness and sorrows. Engaging in productive activities and healthy habits like reading, walking and in what one feels comfortable with is another recipe of a happy life.

Fourthly, sympathy, love and compassion to creatures around and lending a helping hand in whatever manner and capacity to the marginalised, destitute and needy is an established scheme for serenity and happiness.

Finally, we need to understand that contentment is related to human emotions rather than anything else. Happiness in its truest sense is a state of mind. Though outside factors and circumstances affect emotions to an extent, looking for happiness outside and relating it exclusively with material possessions is a wild goose chase.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2021.

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