Of Happiness

Happiness, by its very definition, means a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy, and the smiley face is a universally acknowledged symbol of happiness.

Fuzzy concept as happiness is, it can be analyzed from various categories. Pragmatists deem that happiness, instead of a simple manifestation of emotion, is directly related to economic success, and the emphasis should be put on material facet when it comes to the pursuit of happiness which is written in the Declaration of Independence. Philosophers, however, probes into the meaning of happiness in psychological aspects. In the Nicomachean Ethics, written in 350 BCE, Aristotle stated that happiness is the only thing that humans desire for its own sake, unlike riches, honor, health or friendship. He observed that men sought riches, or honor, or health not only for their own sake but also in order to be happy. Undoubtedly, the explanation of happiness above is confined in a spiritual context in which pleasure, engagement, and accomplishment is contained.

Happiness, when observed in the perspective of religion, is complex and intangible. In Buddhism teaching, happiness forms a central theme in achieving nirvana, an ultimate state of peace and happiness after sufferings in earthly life. While in the doctrine of Catholicism, happiness

involves good fortune, chance or happening, and the contemplation of God, the infinitely beautiful, as well as human complexities concerning reason and cognition, which is the supreme delight of the will.

Happiness suffers when the edifice of economy collapses, when the anchor of will topples, when the foundation of belief slants. The edifice of economy plays a crucial role in the formation of happiness as one’s materialistic happiness is dependent on money, though not completely, without which an easy and comfortable life is beyond imagination, let alone luxury and exuberance. As for the anchor of will, it consists of psychological health, love and satisfaction which are three essential elements of spiritual happiness that can be easily ignored in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For the foundation of belief, the criterial of distinguishing from good to evil and the courage to struggle in adversity should be put into consideration. Clear sense of good and wrong is germane to the elixir for happiness.

To attain happiness from hardship is human, from sacrifice, divine. For the procedure of pursuing happiness, craft men neglect it, simple men admire it, and wise men enjoy it. In Ursula le Guin’s article, the majority in Omelas gain their happiness based on the ordeal of the minority, or rather, a child’s abominable misery, which can be regarded as the treason of their believes in the essence of happiness. Where there is happiness there is pain. People in city Omelas, bright-towered by sea,

encircling by mountains, deviate from their orbit of happiness and are stepping into a state of hypocrisy and savage because all men are created equal, and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Compared with people in Omelas, Tess, a pure woman in Hardy’s novel, is a sacred representative who accomplishes supreme happiness. She is pretty, innocent, sweet-natured and hardworking. Her purity and nobility are inborn and natural. She struggles for happiness and fulfillment in a world bent on denying her both, and only death is immune from sufferings and brings happiness for her. She rests on the heathen altar and rests forever on the altar of happiness.

Happiness makes a full man; the belief in happiness a ready man; and the struggling for happiness an exact man. Happiness cannot be defined but can be obtained and maintained.