Moments of Happiness Ever since humans wanted more than just the basic needs in life, they have questioned what could a make a person ultimately happy. Aristotle defines happiness as, “prosperity combined with virtue” (774), while Victor Hugo says, “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved” (774). Overall philosophers for centuries have strived for an answer and differed in opinions. This quest or strive to figure out happiness has puzzled people to such confusion that they may have not even found the happiness they wanted. Someone can get so distracted with a concept they may not even find the concept for themselves. That does not seem to be a happy life. To find happiness, is not to look for it, but instead to enjoy
…show more content…
Bertrand Russell, a British mathematician and philosopher, says in “The Happy Life” the “happy man” is: “Such a man [that] feels himself a citizen of the universe, enjoying freely the spectacle that it offers and the joys that it affords” (790). The man Russell describes is someone who enjoys the world around them, and this ultimately makes him happy. Too often people don’t stop and think to live life, but will strive for a happy life that is not feasible for anyone. It is important to live life to the fullest in the sense of doing what makes you content. Content creates happiness. Darrin M. McMahon, a past professor of Columbia, Yale and New York University, says “In Pursuit of Unhappiness”, “‘Don’t have a happy new year!’ Have dinner with your family or walk in the park with friends” (785). He goes on to suggest other activities like going to a charity, temple, church, or even work. These are simple activities that can make a person happy. McMahon also says, “…you’ll find happiness by the by…you may even bring a little joy to the world” (785). People will obtain happiness by living life as they want in ways that will benefit themselves and others. Like McMahon said, a person’s happiness could bring happiness to the rest of the world. The more people try to enjoy a simple happy life, the more it can influence the world to be
Bertrand Russell, a British mathematician and philosopher, says in “The Happy Life” the “happy man” is: “Such a man [that] feels himself a citizen of the universe, enjoying freely the spectacle that it offers and the joys that it affords” (790). The man Russell describes is someone who enjoys the world around them, and this ultimately makes him happy. Too often people don’t stop and think to live life, but will strive for a happy life that is not feasible for anyone. It is important to live life to the fullest in the sense of doing what makes you content. Content creates happiness. Darrin M. McMahon, a past professor of Columbia, Yale and New York University, says “In Pursuit of Unhappiness”, “‘Don’t have a happy new year!’ Have dinner with your family or walk in the park with friends” (785). He goes on to suggest other activities like going to a charity, temple, church, or even work. These are simple activities that can make a person happy. McMahon also says, “…you’ll find happiness by the by…you may even bring a little joy to the world” (785). People will obtain happiness by living life as they want in ways that will benefit themselves and others. Like McMahon said, a person’s happiness could bring happiness to the rest of the world. The more people try to enjoy a simple happy life, the more it can influence the world to be