B00317142
What measures a happy life? Is it by a life that is void of struggle and hardships? Is it by how much money you make? Or perhaps by how many friends you have? Is it a direct result of physical pleasure? Some would argue that all of these things are precursors to a happy life. In fact, the philosopher Epicurus is convinced that pleasure, the alpha and omega of happiness, can only be achieved in the absence of pain and turmoil. In opposition, influential people like Steve Bollman, Mother Teresa, and Aristotle believe a happy life comes from living an ethical life, an ethical life comes from figuring out who you are meant to be as a human, and is measured by ethical virtues we acquire. An ethical life, a life of virtue or the process …show more content…
It’s widely agreed that if you have copious amounts of money, you must have a happy life because you can afford all the world’s greatest luxuries. However, there is substantial evidence pointing this incorrect thinking. You might recall the suicidal drug overdose of Heath Ledger, a famous actor seen in the movie “The Dark Knight.” He had fame, fortune, family, and what looked like a successful and happy life. Indeed, he had all the makings for a happy life, but what he lacked was charity and knowing what to do with the riches he had. He lacked knowing his purpose, therefore, lacked an ethical life and happy life which eventually resulted in suicide.
Charity is an ethical virtue that Steve Bollman, the author of “The Choice Wine”, believes is at the heart of ethics and happiness. Philanthropy the desire to promote the welfare of others by generously donating money, is a type of charity that Bollman says can produce happiness. Bollman backs up this statement by saying our brains are actually wired to guide us to be charitable. In fact, there is scientific proof that charitable acts stimulate certain neurotransmitters that reward our bodies causing positive impacts on our happiness, health, and
What measures a happy life? Is it by a life that is void of struggle and hardships? Is it by how much money you make? Or perhaps by how many friends you have? Is it a direct result of physical pleasure? Some would argue that all of these things are precursors to a happy life. In fact, the philosopher Epicurus is convinced that pleasure, the alpha and omega of happiness, can only be achieved in the absence of pain and turmoil. In opposition, influential people like Steve Bollman, Mother Teresa, and Aristotle believe a happy life comes from living an ethical life, an ethical life comes from figuring out who you are meant to be as a human, and is measured by ethical virtues we acquire. An ethical life, a life of virtue or the process …show more content…
It’s widely agreed that if you have copious amounts of money, you must have a happy life because you can afford all the world’s greatest luxuries. However, there is substantial evidence pointing this incorrect thinking. You might recall the suicidal drug overdose of Heath Ledger, a famous actor seen in the movie “The Dark Knight.” He had fame, fortune, family, and what looked like a successful and happy life. Indeed, he had all the makings for a happy life, but what he lacked was charity and knowing what to do with the riches he had. He lacked knowing his purpose, therefore, lacked an ethical life and happy life which eventually resulted in suicide.
Charity is an ethical virtue that Steve Bollman, the author of “The Choice Wine”, believes is at the heart of ethics and happiness. Philanthropy the desire to promote the welfare of others by generously donating money, is a type of charity that Bollman says can produce happiness. Bollman backs up this statement by saying our brains are actually wired to guide us to be charitable. In fact, there is scientific proof that charitable acts stimulate certain neurotransmitters that reward our bodies causing positive impacts on our happiness, health, and