What is 'true happiness'?

[Percarus]

I found some interesting articles of which I would like to share...

Does Authenticity lead to Happiness? - http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/don ... -happiness

Finding Happiness in Authenticity - http://learnthis.ca/2011/10/finding-hap ... henticity/

I do not believe that Aristotle's derivation of Eudaimonia fully encompassed aspects of 'authenticity'. However true it may seem that authenticity may lead to happiness I also argue that it is not the only way. The question is as to whether 'true happiness' (ultimate state of satisfaction in life) may only be reached through adoption of an authentic self. Individuals will often aspire to role models, characters that trully inspired them throughout life - does this process aide us in discovering whom we really ought to be?

Some individuals are materialistic, and that cannot be easily changed unless one is willing to undergo a psychological lobotomy or conditioning process. I would argue that it is ethical to condition a child's mind from an early stage, after all children learn from their surroundings and every parent believes that correct discipline shapes one's self to his/her future life to be. It is henceforth an ethical duty for every parent to seek a way to raise his/her children in a way that will maximise their happiness and in such a manner that will maximise good to society (Utilitarianism). I do not believe any ill-harm would come to anyone although when faced with matters of teaching Theist/Atheist beliefs I believe a profound philosophical teaching of a vast range of views becomes a necessity in order to let the authentic-self of the youngling to choose his/her own mind by their own accord. I had just such an upbringing concerning faiths, I opted to being a Theist in the end but I wonder how others would fare?

True happiness is a state of integrity, and if you are true to oneself maybe you will experience joy or satisfaction - I would like to hear arguments against this statement. Universalising the maxim in which every individual attained 'true happiness' would society be impeded in it's drive to progress forwards as an intellectual society? I believe not, and if it were the case I would argue that the process of conditioning was done wrong. So where could this process start? The education system would have to play a big role in educating their pupils in aspects of tolerance and virtues. This is often done through the means of storytelling but few individuals are often aware of it. The problem is that the range of educational material is trully immense and this can cause alienation to segments within society, ie: nations. We are not generally familiar with folkloric stories from different cultures but more often all stories share common elements, a hero, a villain, and a moral point. I would argue that our prime directive in guiding the youth would be to focus on the moral aspect of stories and not so much on the gloryfying of the hero at the expense of the villain. A villain in its own accord is just a troubled individual that is misunderstood and when we begin to understand the causes for his/her actions we may be able to build our empathy for the character and hence grow wiser.

So in shaping society, by teaching our young, and the grown ups, I believe aspects of communication play of vital importance. One would have to be creative with his/her speech so as to clarify a moral point and embed its justification on one's mind without sounding like a preacher - it would have to be done by subtle means. If this were not the case there would be no credence to self opinionated individual decision making and society would not be aspiring to aspects of being 'authentic'.

Disney, a propagator of European idealised stories, targets the G rated audience, but by doing so they appeal their stories through emotive aspects that bring excitement and may generate a quick buck. I was surprised to know that after the fallacies of 'Alladin' (the initial opening theme song was racist) they initiated a 3 year feasibility study of indigeneous Americans on the making of 'Pocahontas' - now this is what I am talking about when launching an ethical and morally binding story. Disney suddenly took a sudden turn to educating individuals about history whilst remaining sensitive to different cultures, creeds, and beliefs. When teaching aspects of religion to our young (a major decisive factor for one to achieve true happiness) we ought to be fully attentive to the underlining philosophical ideals pertaining to them.

I can understand how from an 'Atheist' perspective you may deem this as utter non-sense, after all, why the hell am I going to teach my son/daughter about the existance of the flying spaghetti monster? But before you think such an idea as ludicrous think of the implications. Using an example, the character of Jesus himself was deemed as the ultimate symbol of Altruism in human form (or Isa in Muslim terms) - is this not a cause worth fighting for?

Back to conditioning... I do not have children, I am not sure if I ever will, but if I do I sure intend on them learning a bit of every faith and commonly bound aspects such as ethics shall be severely covered through figurative tales and stories told to them - maybe even relating my daily life at the expense of the stupidity of others around me in the workplace (anything to draw a laugh). I do not know much about psychology, but the books I have read have been too complex to put in practical use. Would it not be more morally binding to have psychologists caring and fending for our children in pre or primary schools?

I have a book I read twice which discusses how to raise children from baby years, and every several months it discusses what next you should be teaching your child. The book is not erroneous but I believe that some steps can be boosted up faster a little. Whether the quest to induce a child to achieve 'true happiness' at an early age is too harsh I do not know. After all, children usually live happy lives throughout the early years without much effort, but I wonder, what effects would correct discipline have on an individual if paid attention early - this in latter years? My hope would be that they would mature faster and hence be less of a burden in my retirement years - a way to get them booted out of the house faster I hope.

Maybe I deviated a bit on the topic there, I guess I was bored, and I am very tired, but does anyone know of a good parenting book that preaches virtue and ethics to the young? Maybe a methodological way that can be even applied to adults. I have been using some friends as guinea pigs in the way I am encouraging them to find their inner true self, so far the experiment is a partial failure - the fallacy being in encouraging enthusiasm and overcoming laziness. I guess with some individuals the very essence of happiness encompasses being lazy - for me this is the case 'till I attain the job I love. Like someone I admire once said, if you find a job you love you will never work a day in your life. So be it!

[newyear]

Ok, I have been struggling with this concept for quite sometime... What is 'true happiness'? Can anyone define Aristotles derivation of the concept of 'Eudaimonia'? Can anyone answer this question with certification from sources? It would greatly justify my existance if you could.

Perhaps I am different, but for me happiness should not be a goal. Being content is sufficient. Why?, one may ask. The reason is that happiness gives a gauge of what should be the norm. That be so, anything less than the level of 'happiness' experienced will leave a psychologically mark of not having reached the objective.

That means, playing psychologically with 'happiness' will bring with it the corresponding amount of 'unhappiness'. If one doesn't mind the depressive aspects of 'unhappiness' then let 'happiness' be a goal. To me, this is not the case. Occupying one's mind with highs and lows is not a constructive manner to care for one's mind.

[Percarus]

Newyear...

By 'True Happiness' I refer to a state of mind that goes beyond the state of 'eudaimonia'. I do not mean a temporary state but instead I refer to a final purpose and attainment in life of which we all seek. Something that encompasses ideals from all philosophical viewpoints. Something a lot greater that brings us closer to the definition of our 'truer' self. I did not know any other way to phrase it other than put it in inverted commas. A novelty notion that could bring world peace if studied and put into practice and hence bring forth final realization and accomplishment to the very nature of our existance. I meant to indicate an achieavable ideal and I guess what I was trying to brainstorm with everyone was ways in which this very notion could turn into a reality for us through a process of conditioning of which I know not the full answer.

[newyear]

So in shaping society, by teaching our young, and the grown ups, I believe aspects of communication play of vital importance. One would have to be creative with his/her speech so as to clarify a moral point and embed its justification on one's mind without sounding like a preacher - it would have to be done by subtle means. If this were not the case there would be no credence to self opinionated individual decision making and society would not be aspiring to aspects of being 'authentic'.

You are wandering from the original theme of happiness. One will learn from an early age that all aspects of the environment play a role in the 'education' of the individual. Family, friends, tutors and teachers as primary sources, but there is a secondary source that plays a role and that comes from books, television, magazines, films, newspapers, radio, etc. Trying to educate the individual to 'tune in' to only those ideas one wishes to is not an easy task, and to try to do this with a group is very difficult. Also, one must take into consideration the psychological aspects of children. That is, when reaching adolescence they will usually act in the opposite manner their parents or tutors wish. For example, if one wants one's children not to smoke, one mustn't tell them not to smoke, because the probabilities are that they will.

[charon]

newyear

Trying to educate the individual to 'tune in' to only those ideas one wishes to is not an easy task

Nor a desirable one I would have thought!

[charon]

percarus

this very notion (world peace) could turn into a reality for us through a process of conditioning of which I know not the full answer

Forgive me, but you haven't thought this one out.

What is preventing world peace? Very simply, isn't it because we ourselves are not peaceful? The world is hopelessly divided into various camps, political, religious, social, and all the rest of it, and we subscribe to all that. We're national, conditioned by various beliefs, traditions, and so on. That's what prevents peace. There can't be peace as long as that's going on.

Now you want to swop the present conditioning for another one. Will any conditioning do it? Conditioned means limited, tied to a certain way of thinking, and when we're in that state it must be defended. We accept these things because they give a sense of security in belonging, a pride of place. If you try to tell the nationalistic, patriotic man to give up his nationalism he'll fight you. Likewise the religious man with his beliefs and dogmas. Though these things divide us we defend them. They've brought incalculable harm, wars, but still we cling to them.

It's because we're conditioned that there is struggle. Surely no other kind of conditioning will solve that? It only adds to the problem. Other ideas may seem very noble, hopeful, but they don't bring peace.

It's only in freedom that there will be peace. As long as we cling to anything that separates man from man there will never be anything but dissension, conflict, war, ill-will, and so on. History has shown it over and over again. The only truly peaceful person is he who has no label, no flag, no ideal.

[Percarus]

Charon

Conditioning, teaching, educating, training, and re-adjusting through lore - its all I pretty much meant. I am not talking about absolute brainwashing against one's ideals in order to attain happiness. The following link is interesting:

The Dalai Lama on Tolerance and Patience - http://ministryofhappiness.wordpress.co ... -patience/

I believe that fundamental virtuous concepts should be preached and it is our ethical duty to uphold such values. Why would we want a patriotic person to give up his sense of identity? As long as his/her actions did not impact the lives of others at great detriment and still abided by ethical ideals then I would consider it justifiable. I am arguing for the concepts that are shared and ethically viable. If your argument is that the very basis of morality and ethics is erroneous then I agree we then differ in opinions.

If it were not for individuality I would argue there would be very little progress in humanity's diversity. I further believe that it is within human inner nature to be altruistic in self, and hence an acceptance to one's authenticity would lead to a better world - this is my opinion and it is prone to argument. Some may argue that mankind is inherently evil, I don't. I do not believe it unethical to preach/condition in subtle ways that do not pose conflict as long as the ultimate goal is to increase one's full satisfaction of life and hence happiness/eudaimonia. Now, I am not sure if Pavlonian conditioning would be necessary but in some cases it is exactly what people want. Millions of individuals voluntarily submit themselves to hypnosis in the vain hope that conditioning will occur so as to enhance their lives - there is nothing wrong with that if it's on a voluntary basis is there?

It's because we're conditioned that there is struggle. Surely no other kind of conditioning will solve that? It only adds to the problem. Other ideas may seem very noble, hopeful, but they don't bring peace.

I would argue the opposite... It is because of 'conditioning' that society can strive forward. Nowadays with the advents of the media and the internet humankind is more prone to conditioning by media magnate sources than ever before. We can also be said to be existing in humanity's time period that has most flourished in all it's history - we are better off than ever before and that is thanks to education/conditioning. Wars have always existed but nowadays the individuals causing wars are in fact in the minority in this world and that is simply because of their refusal (or ignorance) to adopt established values of Utilitarian and Deontological ethics, instead they are highly situational and self serving. Of course, in some cases the strong is said to oppress the weak, but again it is because of their self seclusion and incapability to tune to their authentic self.

I believe children should be educated at an early stage through discipline. I believe army conscription should be mandatory mainly as a means to discipline individuals - instead of an army maybe we should have a compulsory boot camp for our teens. Freedom will not bring peace alone unless supervised by wise minds, sages if you must. The next generation ought be one of sages and not constricted self-made philosophers without support from past history. In regards to ideals, we all have ideals, the trick is not to conflict our ideals to those of others. Different labels (flags) further boost our very sense of individuality - we need good mentors early.

I am yet to find a way that teaches individuals full understanding of suffering without actually imposing suffering on one. I would gather that the only way to achieve that would to impose one to a simulation in which one was to temporarily think the instance was real. It sounds crude, but has anyone given much thought? Would it be viable and ethical to trick your child that his/her lovely grandma died for a period of 1-2 days before divulging the truth that they are very much alive? Would it be ethical to incarcerate your child in jail for a period of ~1-2 days just to roughen them up a little? Mayhap even offer a conditioned reward after such an ordeal? It once happened to me, that is, my father played a dirty trick on me and I learnt a lot from it - I thought my life was over but in the end I walked out with a much better understanding of the dilemmas faced by imprisoned people. This can go on and on with different examples. How hard would you push your son's/daughter's education of life?

newyear

You are wandering from the original theme of happiness. One will learn from an early age that all aspects of the environment play a role in the 'education' of the individual.

Yes, but if you truly love someone you want to warrant that happiness ensues throughout the remainder of their lives. In teaching someone to achieve ‘true happiness’ it is hoped that one achieves a state that frees one of all evils and torments that may affect them later in life. You would want such a process to happen with the most passive intents in actions and motions. Of course all aspects of the environment play a role in educating an individual. But how often do you hear nowadays of someone fully understanding ‘the void’ or ‘Nirvana’ from an experiential perspective. The human mind is one amazing organism and I believe that in the quest for ‘true happiness’ we may even have to push our experiences further through the usage of drugs if one is willing to truly understand the reaches of existence (do not quote me on this, I do not support drug usage).

Of course, it can be argued that severe and drastic measures to expand one’s mind could lead one partially insane, bipolar, depressed, or maybe in the everlasting state of a dissatisfied Socrates dilemma. I do not know what a conditioning process would entail that would bring utter contentment to life but I believe discipline plays a big role, would you agree?

[charon]

Percarus

Conditioning, teaching, educating, training, and re-adjusting through lore - its all I pretty much meant

But isn't that the same thing? Isn't that how we got to the present state of chaos? We've already been taught, trained, and therefore conditioned, to be nationalistic, or Catholic, for example. And that's what they call education! That's not education at all.

Why would we want a patriotic person to give up his sense of identity?

It's not that we want others to do it although we can certainly point out the dangers of it. Then it's up to them. But why doesn't the patriotic person question it himself?

Why do we want a sense of identity? Identity means that with which I've identified myself. Why do I do it at all? It's one thing having a name but it's quite another to live thinking one is a national. Then I have a label which must be defended. It divides me from others who have a different label. That's why there is war and the incalculable sufferings that go with it.

It's not just the mere label, of course, it's the whole background of tradition, lore, belief, that goes with it. We're thoroughly immersed in all that so that it's become what we are.

If your argument is that the very basis of morality and ethics is erroneous then I agree we then differ in opinions

It depends what we mean by morality. There are different moralities in the world which say different things. Those are the moralities of various cultures and traditions. Some of them are very brutal, like honour killing, forced marriage, all sorts of things. Over here in the West it's a little less brutal but still just as pernicious.

When morality is dictated by a particular group or belief is it morality? Or is it just a set of dictates that hold the mind prisoner?

an acceptance to one's authenticity

I know that's what you're saying but I still don't know what it means. Authentic what? Authentic means original. We're not original, we're the product of our environment. Our values come from the culture we're brought up in. We're thoroughly second-hand!

I am not sure if Pavlonian conditioning would be necessary but in some cases it is exactly what people want. Millions of individuals voluntarily submit themselves to hypnosis in the vain hope that conditioning will occur so as to enhance their lives - there is nothing wrong with that if it's on a voluntary basis is there?

But I don't want to be hypnotised! For goodness sake, see what you're saying! In any case we're already hypnotised by all sorts of things. Is that an enhanced life?

We may go in for hypnosis as a remedy for various problems but is that really the answer? It affects the subconscious, that's all. It modifies my actions and thinking but don't you think that's terribly dangerous?

Can we hypnotise people to love each other? Do we need to hypnotise people not to be warlike? Why not just bring them up rightly, sensitively?

We can also be said to be existing in humanity's time period that has most flourished in all it's history - we are better off than ever before and that is thanks to education/conditioning

But they're still conditioned, hypnotised! Do you want to be like that?

I believe children should be educated at an early stage through discipline

Which means what? Forcing them through reward and punishment? Discipline means making them do what you want them to do with a threat if they don't. Is that love, care, and affection? Do you know what happens when there's no love in a home or school? There's violence, rebellion.

Different labels (flags) further boost our very sense of individuality

See what you're saying. Individuality, which everyone maintains, is the result of isolating oneself from others.

we need good mentors early

Absolutely, but who is the good mentor? The one who teaches tradition, who helps you become a good Christian or something? Or the one who makes you question all that?

I am yet to find a way that teaches individuals full understanding of suffering without actually imposing suffering on one

Can you teach the understanding of suffering? Why do we suffer, apart from physical ailments? Suffering is uneccesary. It's the result of wrong thinking, wrong living. We suffer through ignorance, don't we?

How hard would you push your son's/daughter's education of life?

Very hard. I'd make sure to the very best of my ability that they realised the extraordinary dangers around them and didn't get caught in it all.

[Percarus]

But isn't that the same thing? Isn't that how we got to the present state of chaos? We've already been taught, trained, and therefore conditioned, to be nationalistic, or Catholic, for example. And that's what they call education! That's not education at all.

I do not believe our present state in humanity is one of ‘chaos’, instead I would argue for the opposite. The very fact that flourishing countries abide by democratic ideals which concerns collective decision making warrants for the establishment of ‘order’. This expresses a freedom of thought that goes ahead of proposed ‘conditioning’ thought as derived above. By conditioning, in the context of discussion, I refer to a process which flourishes one’s very own authentic self. One that is original and builds on our very own comprised inherent traits (more on this later).

It's not that we want others to do it although we can certainly point out the dangers of it. Then it's up to them. But why doesn't the patriotic person question it himself?

I do not see it as imperative to question one’s patriotic nature lest it be impacting other people’s lives in a negative manner. Nation building efforts by governments are not in vain as they establish a sense of fulfilment and identity to individuals which would otherwise lack any. I reflected on my own patriotism from time to time, and being an Australian I associate myself more with a British identity than an Aussie one – this purely by choice, and I have long reneged my Brazilian heritage.

Why do we want a sense of identity? Identity means that with which I've identified myself. Why do I do it at all? It's one thing having a name but it's quite another to live thinking one is a national. Then I have a label which must be defended. It divides me from others who have a different label. That's why there is war and the incalculable sufferings that go with it.

I argue that diversity is a crucial characteristic to be present within society at large in order to provide a certain ‘zest’ in life. Diversity is more than just a feel-good notion on a human resources poster. It is, in fact, crucial to living in a world whose populations, by virtue of speedy air travel and even speedier Internet service, become more interconnected by the day. Diversity (in respect, aka. identity) brings substantial potential benefits such as better decision making and improved problem solving, greater creativity and innovation, which leads to enhanced product development, and more successful marketing to different types of customers. It is the very essence of life – it is what makes life worth living in what would otherwise be a homogenous existence deprived of variation. I am a proponent that Archaic Homo sapiens evolved to anatomically modern humans in between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago – then some members of modern humans started to leave Africa by 60,000 years ago into different parts of the world and environment made us ethnically diverse, and hence culturally rich (this through the establishment of different identities). History suggests that homogeneity of a nation were threatened and broken many times and it is also not possible to preserve the perfect homogeneousness of a society whereas diversity is maintainable. I use this as a co-relation to identity only...

It's not just the mere label, of course, it's the whole background of tradition, lore, belief, that goes with it. We're thoroughly immersed in all that so that it's become what we are.

I know that's what you're saying but I still don't know what it means. Authentic what? Authentic means original. We're not original, we're the product of our environment. Our values come from the culture we're brought up in. We're thoroughly second-hand!

Back to the concept of Authenticity...: I can understand that from a Theist hating perspective the very given notion of an ‘identity’ (and self that is genuinely ‘authentic’) that holds origins from the depths of a given ‘soul’ or ‘inner-spirit’ can be deemed ludicrous if not absurd. But consider this, the DNA strand is a vastly complex programmed code and what I am arguing for is that in discovering your ‘inner soul’ you are in actual fact coming to grips with what nature intended for your establishment of your own character through your DNA imprint. I do not agree that we are solely the product of our environment – great men and women die for their ideals, ideals which emanated through the very essence of the soul and spirit, ideals that are noble and just as nature intended through a process of imprinted conditioning (I use the term loosely here) that has survived the eons in the evolutionary chain. Discredit Hitler from this equation as he was entirely a product of the environment around him – thus bringing the importance of being in tune with your ‘authentic self’.

It depends what we mean by morality. There are different moralities in the world which say different things. Those are the moralities of various cultures and traditions. Some of them are very brutal, like honour killing, forced marriage, all sorts of things. Over here in the West it's a little less brutal but still just as pernicious.

When morality is dictated by a particular group or belief is it morality? Or is it just a set of dictates that hold the mind prisoner?

When talking about morals, moral codes and ethics, I mainly make reference to ethical theories such as ‘Utilitarian’ and ‘Deontology’ in conjunction. It is my personal opinion that these two combined ideals justify the most commonly accepted outcomes in the confrontation of moral codes. On this view, moral codes are ultimately founded on emotional instincts and intuitions that were selected for in the past because they aided survival and reproduction – who is to say what will be developed next? But for now, for the basis of my argument, let’s just assume forced marriage, honour killing, and brutal methods are ethically viable provided all participants agree with the principles.

But I don't want to be hypnotised! For goodness sake, see what you're saying! In any case we're already hypnotised by all sorts of things. Is that an enhanced life?

We may go in for hypnosis as a remedy for various problems but is that really the answer? It affects the subconscious, that's all. It modifies my actions and thinking but don't you think that's terribly dangerous?

Can we hypnotise people to love each other? Do we need to hypnotise people not to be warlike? Why not just bring them up rightly, sensitively?

I did not refer to conditioning as a hypnotising process but I argued that if one chose, with full awareness of the consequences, to be hypnotised then it is his/her right to be so. I see a process of conditioning rather like maintenance of a plant. You provide it with the nutrients, the water, the sunlight, and depending on how it would react with additional (ie: fertilizer, toxic chemicals) then you would provide such constituents in order to help the plant flourish and grow the way nature intended. Of course, it would be erroneous to make such a comparison from a plant to a thinking organism, but by the same reasoning I believe that one can only achieve ‘true happiness’ if he/she is willing to seek it. Some individuals may not be so ambitious and may indeed be content with a ‘lower’ form of happiness, a state of ignorance if you can – ignorance can be bliss. But is it not an ethical duty for a human to seek knowledge? I am not talking about opening Pandora’s Box, but the very temptation remains – should one seek, should one find, should one be content?

But they're still conditioned, hypnotised! Do you want to be like that?

In certain ways I would like to be hypnotised – this to go to sleep and cure my Insomnia (by golly I have tried for many years). I also give credence that Dianetics may un-hypnotise individuals should something go wrong and hence I am not too concerned about the ill-harms of hypnotism. I do not equate conditioning to hypnotism in the slightest and instead I see ‘conditioning’ as an elaborate process of education that aims not to be biased and in its very essence tries to liberate the soul. If I were ‘conditioning’ my children rest assured I would be pretty stern on a moral code of ethics (I would not want them to be brats) but in relations to every other facet of their life, their personality, their likes/dislikes, it would be solely up for them to decide once they understand the good(s) and bad(s) from an educated perspective. And if this process is biased in the very nature then so be it... I then believe that attainment of ‘true happiness’ can only be achieved with some degree of bias.

Which means what? Forcing them through reward and punishment? Discipline means making them do what you want them to do with a threat if they don't. Is that love, care, and affection? Do you know what happens when there's no love in a home or school? There's violence, rebellion.

“Different labels (flags) further boost our very sense of individuality”

See what you're saying. Individuality, which everyone maintains, is the result of isolating oneself from others.

I argue that the very nature of philosophy is to consider aspects outside your homogenous group as well. This creative thought process may bolster the creation of discerningly different ‘individuals’ from homogeneous sects. I enjoy your rebuttals as that pretty much makes me consider alternative viewpoints, however, so far I have just been clarifying myself.

Absolutely, but who is the good mentor? The one who teaches tradition, who helps you become a good Christian or something? Or the one who makes you question all that?

You see, the problem with most of Christianity nowadays is that it is not often enough tackled as a vast hoard of philosophical ideas that can be put into creative development to one’s very development of his/her authentic self. I believe it is important to question religion and it is up to an individual to determine to what extent he/she wishes to pursue their faith. I personally believe in scientific validation to justify my needs, but other’s authentic nature may not necessitate such an act. The fine line has to be drawn between brainwashing and conditioning. I believe Jesus was a philosopher and a good mentor and indeed he was ‘the son of man’ (not ‘son of god’) and his very words were proliferated by the inspiration of the ‘God’ ideal.

Can you teach the understanding of suffering? Why do we suffer, apart from physical ailments? Suffering is uneccesary. It's the result of wrong thinking, wrong living. We suffer through ignorance, don't we?

Teaching of suffering can be a troublesome issue... I agree, we suffer through ignorance and that is why a conditioning process is in order for those that seek ‘true happiness’. The ‘understanding’ of the joys of Altruism (but not necessarily the practice of it) may pave a good building block for the very foundation of discovery of one’s authentic self. I have only a couple of my times actually understood the joys of having an ‘altered’ altruistic heart but I never could adhere to such principles fully. On an end note I include a most inspiring video by one of history’s most fabled characters... It is only when we ‘understand’ the concept of ‘surrendering’ that we can truly manifest our own existence to what our DNA coding intended it to be.
[youtube] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ircoLHLOcg [/youtube]

[I hope everything above was coherent, it is very late here :-)]

[charon]

Percarus

Don't worry, highly coherent :)

You've written a long post and the trouble is that I'll have to write an even longer one to answer it. Before we know it we've both lost the plot. I'll try to be short but it's difficult. These things are not answered in a word or two.

I do not believe our present state in humanity is one of ‘chaos’

You say you don't think there's chaos in the world. I can't think why not. Are we all happy human beings? Aren't we hopelessly divided? Isn't there antagonism in every sphere of life? Isn't there gross inequality? Starvation and poverty contrasted with great wealth? Aren't we burdened by our problems? Aren't we destroying the earth, the forests, making species extinct?

Pick up your local paper. It's full of dreadful stuff. Then realise that every locality has the same and multiply that all over Australia. Take the national papers and multiply that again. Realise that scenario applies everywhere on this earth - America, Russia, China, Europe, everywhere.

Don't be fooled into thinking that because a few people you see don't appear to be doing too badly that everything's all right. It's not, and the more you talk to people the more it becomes evident. It applies to all ages and that situation has existed for centuries and centuries. Any history of the world tells us it is a bloody history, one war after the other, or several concurrently.

This is not a happy planet. We may have high ideals but they've never brought peace or equality.

one’s very own authentic self

There's no authentic or non-authentic self, there's just self. That self is the very factor of separation and the root cause of all our woes. This isn't mysticism or something, it's the actual fact of the matter.

I do not see it as imperative to question one’s patriotic nature lest it be impacting other people’s lives in a negative manner

But it does impact on other people's lives, as in war. But you're missing the point. Why this patriotic urge at all? You've identified with a group separate from other groups. It makes you feel comforted, that you belong to something worthwhile. Why do you need that? Is it loneliness?

You may think there's nothing wrong with it till your country is attacked, then you're quite willing to kill or be killed.

Diversity (in respect, aka. identity) brings substantial potential benefits such as better decision making and improved problem solving, greater creativity and innovation, which leads to enhanced product development, and more successful marketing to different types of customers

There's a bit more to life than business! In any case business competition is war.

(Diversity) is the very essence of life – it is what makes life worth living in what would otherwise be a homogenous existence deprived of variation

What do you mean by diversity? Things as they are?

It's not true that without the factors of conflict that we'd become a homogenous mass. We can't say what there would be, it's speculative, but only brainwashed peoples form dreary homogenous masses. Happy people are alive and don't form a mass.

made us ethnically diverse, and hence culturally rich (this through the establishment of different identities)

We're certainly diverse physically - different skin colours and all that - but I doubt if we're culturally rich. Culture implies refinement but we aren't refined. Very few minds are really cultured.

Discredit Hitler from this equation as he was entirely a product of the environment around him

Certainly not. If you're going to talk about spirit and soul it must apply to Hitler too. He may have been nuts but he was human.

moral codes are ultimately founded on emotional instincts and intuitions

But they're not working. Where is there any real morality in this world? Very, very few people are moral in the true sense of that word. Lots of people believe in morality but that's not the same thing at all.

let’s just assume forced marriage, honour killing, and brutal methods are ethically viable provided all participants agree with the principles

But they don't agree, not at all. They may conform outwardly from fear but they don't agree. I've seen innumerable programmes where natives of a particular country have railed against it, women especially.

I see a process of conditioning rather like maintenance of a plant. You provide it with the nutrients, the water, the sunlight, and depending on how it would react with additional (ie: fertilizer, toxic chemicals) then you would provide such constituents in order to help the plant flourish and grow the way nature intended

The same could be applied to a young person growing up, it's a fair comparison. Given the right 'soil' he'll grow properly but I wouldn't call that a conditioning process. I think that's the wrong word.

should one seek, should one find, should one be content?

When one is truly interested in seeking and finding one is never content!

In certain ways I would like to be hypnotised – this to go to sleep and cure my Insomnia (by golly I have tried for many years)

Insomnia has psychological causes. There are reasons why your mind, and therefore your body, can't rest. The main one is unresolved issues which have been pushed down and they come up when you're quiet, as in trying to sleep.

I suggest pushing nothing down at all. On the contrary, listen to yourself and see what's going on. If you're afraid to see then you'll carry on as before. But if you want to see then you'll begin to listen to yourself. Listen to everything, all your thoughts, ideas, motives, desires, hopes, fears, conclusions, everything. It may be disturbing at first but the more you do it the easier it will get. Get to know yourself. In self-knowing there's the ending of fear.

You see, the problem with most of Christianity nowadays is that it is not often enough tackled as a vast hoard of philosophical ideas that can be put into creative development to one’s very development of his/her authentic self. I believe it is important to question religion and it is up to an individual to determine to what extent he/she wishes to pursue their faith. I personally believe in scientific validation to justify my needs, but other’s authentic nature may not necessitate such an act. The fine line has to be drawn between brainwashing and conditioning. I believe Jesus was a philosopher and a good mentor and indeed he was ‘the son of man’ (not ‘son of god’) and his very words were proliferated by the inspiration of the ‘God’ ideal

You see, you have a faith. Why? For comfort, refuge, support, hope? I'm not trying to take it away from you. Rather understand why you hold to it - not just your particular one but any faith at all. Is it fear?

Teaching of suffering can be a troublesome issue...

But what has suffering to teach? Is there anything to be learnt from it except not to suffer? To be free of suffering we have to understand the causes of it, not just try to get rid of it. When do we suffer?

Do you want to talk about that? I won't contemplate suicide, by the way. That's too silly.

[Percarus]

Charon

Sorry, the main question I am getting at is as to what constitutes ‘true happiness’? How ought one to seek it and to what level should one take in his/her pursuit for ‘true happiness’? Would it be morally binding for all of humanity to pursue the same form of happiness or should we be authentic to our ‘inner’ self in this quest – or mayhap should we not pursue it at all? Is there different ‘fields’ of happiness? On that notion can mankind be categorised in divisions related to happiness pursuits? Just like individuals can be categorised for psychometric evaluation testing can one’s desired happiness level be like-so categorised as well? There are many questions I would like answered... Would one’s desire for ‘true happiness’ impact his/her friendships & relationships with individuals seeking ‘lower’ desires and needs? Would society be segregated further if we could all be in tune with our ‘authentic’ self? What would be God’s plan and desire in our achievement of happiness? Is the pursuit of happiness more important than ‘true happiness’, at least in the short term? Does absolute knowledge equate to ‘true happiness’? Is there a fallacy with the attainment of the ‘authentic self’? - these are just some of the questions I am looking for answers to.

Now, I would like to rebut one of your statements because it impacts me a bit and it sort of segregates and stereotypes ‘believers’ as stupid...

You see, you have a faith. Why? For comfort, refuge, support, hope? I'm not trying to take it away from you. Rather understand why you hold to it - not just your particular one but any faith at all. Is it fear?

If you believe that either:
a) The universe is infinite; or/and
b) That time is infinite.

Then I would have to say that with all due certainty you would have to believe in the existence of God. If evolutionary theory holds true (which it does), is it not logical that given enough permutations (in the evolutionary sense) something would have evolved with 100% certainty to something we deem to be ‘God’. By stating I have ‘faith’ I do not preach a blind adherence to something in which I hope is true, instead I firmly believe something in which I know to be true with all certainty.

BBC documentaries argued for the existence of parallel universes, as did Stephen Hawkins – quoting BBC, “Scientists now believe there may really be a parallel universe - in fact, there may be an infinite number of parallel universes, and we just happen to live in one of them. These other universes contain space, time and strange forms of exotic matter. Some of them may even contain you, in a slightly different form. Astonishingly, scientists believe that these parallel universes exist less than one millimetre away from us. In fact, our gravity is just a weak signal leaking out of another universe into ours.”

I do not have ‘faith’ because I seek ‘comfort, refuge, support, hope’ but instead I have faith because to me it is logical and scientific and as a by-product I do attain some degree of comfort from it. Let me relate an experience I had last year which changed my life forever (in faith aspects, although not necessarily for the better)...

There was a night in the year of 2011 in which I will never forget. I was having problems going to sleep late one night and I stood thinking in my bed completely coherent to thoughts that may affect me. I then decided to turn to the other side of the bed and as I rested my head onto the pillow facing towards the floor I noticed a beam of orange light protruding from the ground. It was strange to notice the shape that looked like a four leaf rectangular flower of some sort, one foot by one foot approximately. What was stranger still was that my light bulb for the room was broken, the door locked, and the curtains drawn closed. There was no light source inside the room aside from the green digits from my clock radio and a small light from the touch display from my computer. My LCD screen was disconnected from my laptop and the laptop was switched off.

I examined the unknown beam of light protruding from the ground and I was still befuddled as to where the origin of its power could be emanating from. I live on a two bedroom apartment on the third floor and there was no way a laser beam could be shone from the level below. Frustrated about the phenomenon I turn a blind eye and relocate to the other side of the bed whence I attempt to get some sleep. It is not before too long in which I notice some orange beams of lights flashing on the wall behind me. I turn around and I notice that my LCD monitor was projecting small caricatures at random locations in regular time interval all over the screen. I once again checked the cable and noticed it was not connected, but the power to the LCD was connected. I examined closely these caricatures approximately 1 centimetre in diameter. Each time a new figure flashed a new one appeared with a different size nose.

What I am trying to relate here in a casual manner is that I witnessed two miracles in one night. Sure, many individuals have heard of miracles and strange light phenomena but no one gives it much credence and individuals are easily dismissed as delusional, suffering from hallucinations, or prone to temporary insanity. What I witnessed was a beam of orange light coming from no justifiable source and the switching ‘on’ of my computer LCD screen without it being connected to any computer source. Every time now I hear a story about UFO’s, the paranormal, and divine miracles I do play a more attentive ear but in the end it is still human nature to discredit such notions as being mostly false (in my case it was not false, but then you only have my word for it).

Having said that I am a believer, I have 100% faith, and to me achieving ‘true happiness’ includes getting better brownie points with God. I do not understand the mechanics of the universe and my knowledge is mainly based on reasoning which I believe is not flawed as it is supported by some of the greatest minds in this world. I would like to think that the Theist hating perspectives become a thing of the past – someone can be a ‘believer’ and still hold liberal views (I believe that is how most of the world operates). Sometimes I get scared of posting some of my views here but I tell myself that the only way to propagate my ‘true happiness’ forwards is to state what I believe to be the truth, and if others get inspired by such notions then I am one step closer to achieving my personal state of ‘eudaimonia’.

“In the beginning a pin point of condensed mass exploded, but before such notion an energy ultra-dense life form evolved and let it be know, ‘let there be light’.”

[charon]

Percarus

the main question I am getting at is as to what constitutes ‘true happiness’? How ought one to seek it and to what level should one take in his/her pursuit for ‘true happiness’? Would it be morally binding for all of humanity to pursue the same form of happiness or should we be authentic to our ‘inner’ self in this quest – or mayhap should we not pursue it at all?

That's very simple, it can't be pursued. It's something that comes upon you unasked. Pleasure and excitement can be pursued, and are, but that's not happiness.

Would one’s desire for ‘true happiness’...

Only the unhappy desire to be happy. What matters is the unhappiness, not happiness. If the unhappiness is resolved the problem is over.

I firmly believe something in which I know to be true with all certainty

You may know something is true but having a belief in it is another thing. I know the sun shines. It's very definite - there it is! But I have no belief in it, why should I? We only believe because there's something in it for us - comfort, hope, whatever. So I'm asking why we want comfort or hope. Is it out of fear, unhappiness, a sense of insecurity? And, if we do derive comfort from it isn't that essentially illusory?

It's not a question of what we believe but why we believe at all.

orange light experience

There are many things in life which are strange and inexplicable. I don't think orange lights or figures have much to do with God though, do you? If I may suggest it don't go beyond the fact. Don't build an edifice of ideas on top of it. It could have been many things from a trick of the light, to a projection of consciousness, to spirits trying to tell you something. But if you don't know then you don't know. Don't go beyond that otherwise you can fall prey to illusions of various kinds.

I am a believer, I have 100% faith, and to me achieving ‘true happiness’ includes getting better brownie points with God

Oh, lord, that's a little childish, isn't it? You can't achieve happiness, it's not a lasting state. Happiness, joy, ecstasy, or what you will, comes and goes. It's largely dependent on the life one leads. If one leads an ugly, worldly life there won't be much joy in it. Why should there be?

I am one step closer to achieving my personal state of ‘eudaimonia’

May I point something out? You're only concerned with yourself, your own happiness, achievement, fulfillment, salvation, and all that. That is self-centered thinking, isn't it?

[Percarus]

charon

That's very simple, it can't be pursued. It's something that comes upon you unasked. Pleasure and excitement can be pursued, and are, but that's not happiness.

That is not what famous philosophical minds have derived upon. In effect, happiness can be pursued and the search for identity and meaning lies at the very heart of it.

Only the unhappy desire to be happy. What matters is the unhappiness, not happiness. If the unhappiness is resolved the problem is over.

If the unhappiness is resolved it merely leads into contentment, not happiness, and specially not ‘true happiness’ in the context I am arguing. Even the ‘happy’ sometimes desire to ‘continue’ to being happy.

You may know something is true but having a belief in it is another thing. I know the sun shines. It's very definite - there it is! But I have no belief in it, why should I? We only believe because there's something in it for us - comfort, hope, whatever. So I'm asking why we want comfort or hope. Is it out of fear, unhappiness, a sense of insecurity? And, if we do derive comfort from it isn't that essentially illusory?

The sun is definite, it is there, and we can see it with one of our senses. But mathematics can also be seen and furthermore it can be visualised. Therefore I ‘see’ the majesty of ‘God’, I know it is real, and permutations and probability proves it.

orange light experience - There are many things in life which are strange and inexplicable. I don't think orange lights or figures have much to do with God though, do you? If I may suggest it don't go beyond the fact. Don't build an edifice of ideas on top of it. It could have been many things from a trick of the light, to a projection of consciousness, to spirits trying to tell you something. But if you don't know then you don't know. Don't go beyond that otherwise you can fall prey to illusions of various kinds.

Ok, let me recapture the moment... I was completely lucid and coherent when such obvious material manifestations presented themselves before me. I had two brain scans following the incident to affirm the very notion of my ‘sightings’ and it turned out I have a very normal healthy brain. What the experience ascertained to me is that the laws of physics may be broken from what we currently know and that to me was a great proof and validation of self. I did not hallucinate, but then again, who believes such a crazy nut story and I don’t blame you or anyone for not believing it.

I am a believer, I have 100% faith, and to me achieving ‘true happiness’ includes getting better brownie points with God

Oh, lord, that's a little childish, isn't it? You can't achieve happiness, it's not a lasting state. Happiness, joy, ecstasy, or what you will, comes and goes. It's largely dependent on the life one leads. If one leads an ugly, worldly life there won't be much joy in it. Why should there be?

I don’t believe aspects pertaining to ‘faith’ as being childish. The path of the righteous is the more noble and desired path and heeding your “father’s” words seems like good sagely advice. Happiness may not be a lasting state for humankind, but it may be, do you know if that is the case for certain? My argument is that when searching for a higher truth, ‘true happiness’, we then achieve this lasting state of contentment and happiness. This is however just a postulation – like the episode/movie in which Captain Kirk and his crew go on a search for God. Spock, when confronted about his childhood fears of being human attains a state of fulfilment and peace, as does Dr McKoy by being able to exchange words with his dying father. These are scientology ideals and the very church attests to the notion of this higher state of ‘true happiness’ by achieving the state of ‘clear’ through practice of Dianetics.

May I point something out? You're only concerned with yourself, your own happiness, achievement, fulfillment, salvation, and all that. That is self-centered thinking, isn't it?

Not at all! I am concerned more about the safety and wellbeing of loved ones than my own self. I would openly risk my life, if not forfeit it, in order to assure wellbeing to my parents for instance. I really had an earnest question as to how one achieve ‘true happiness’, not for my selfish desires but more for my altruistic desires. I would not be divulging so much about my experiences lest I thought it possible that others could share some experiences of their own – it is how one learns.

Now, on a point of clarification, I would argue that the primary steps to achieve ‘true happiness’ lies with the acceptance of virtues, secondly of an authentic self, and thirdly through mental and physical discipline. That is about as far as I have narrowed it but earlier I discussed many other alternative pathways of which I have been unable to explore further and I would like feedback.

[charon]

Percarus

happiness can be pursued and the search for identity and meaning lies at the very heart of it

I know, but all that's as old as the hills. It all sounds very impressive but have you ever tried pursuing happiness? You think it will happen tomorrow but that's an illusion.

By the calender there's tomorrow but there's no tomorrow inwardly. We deceive ourselves. I pursue what I think will be happiness and in the meanwhile I'm miserable, just the same as usual!

If the unhappiness is resolved it merely leads into contentment, not happiness, and specially not ‘true happiness’ in the context I am arguing

Not at all. If there's no unhappiness it's like being healthy. When you have a physical pain you want to be free of it, it concerns you. When there's nothing wrong you forget yourself.

It's the same psychologically. As long as there's a problem you're self-conscious, self-concerned, can't sleep, and all that. When there's no conflict, no problem, you forget yourself. That is freedom. It's not a conscious state. Then you don't think of happiness or unhappiness, you live in that freedom.

Therefore I ‘see’ the majesty of ‘God’, I know it is real, and permutations and probability proves it

Not at all, that's not God, that's just a logical conclusion of thought.

I don’t blame you or anyone for not believing it

I didn't say I didn't believe it. You've told us, that's good enough. All I said was don't cling to it, don't build on it more than there is. That's the way illusions start.

I don’t believe aspects pertaining to ‘faith’ as being childish

You don't think wanting to get brownie points is childish? Good lord.

You see how you think in terms of reward. Happiness isn't a reward. Truth isn't a reward. Love isn't a reward. Beauty isn't a reward. Freedom isn't a reward.

This thinking in terms of reward and punishment is our conditioning. It limits the brain. It means we're forever tied to the pleasure/pain principle and happiness or bliss isn't pleasure.

Oh yes, it's so childish. We think some being or deity is going to pat us on the head and give us a good behaviour badge. Or put us in the corner for being naughty. Such thinking is obviously our imagination, projecting a super-father and all that. This isn't reality, it's a terrible deception. And we're supposed to be adults, grown up people.

These are scientology ideals and the very church attests to the notion of this higher state of ‘true happiness’ by achieving the state of ‘clear’ through practice of Dianetics

These things will not bring happiness or freedom. You may believe in what they say but it's all going to happen tomorrow, isn't it? That's the way of exploitation.

I really had an earnest question as to how one achieve ‘true happiness’

I know, you're very sincere about it. You have an idea, vision, or ideal about something called 'true happiness' and want to get it. But you never ask why, you don't question the motivation.

I would argue that the primary steps to achieve ‘true happiness’ lies with the acceptance of virtues, secondly of an authentic self, and thirdly through mental and physical discipline

Which means you set up a pattern to follow, to conform to. Will that bring happiness? Is there freedom in conformity, copying, following? Freedom has no pattern, it's limitless.

The only problem humanity has is freedom, freedom from fear, from problems, from being a slave to various things. That is so in every sphere of life. Unless the human spirit is free it can't do anything.

How can you fly if you're tied to a tree? But we say only through tying ourselves to a particular tree, a certain philosophy, or pattern of thought, or set of beliefs, that we'll become free! That's obviously ridiculous.

I would like feedback

You're getting it in abundance!

[mtbturtle]

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/06/28/learned-optimism-martin-seligman/

Seligman begins by identifying the three types of happiness of which our favorite psychology grab-bag term is composed:


‘Happiness’ is a scientifically unwieldy notion, but there are three different forms of it if you can pursue. For the ‘Pleasant Life,’ you aim to have as much positive emotion as possible and learn the skills to amplify positive emotion. For the ‘Engaged Life,’ you identify your highest strengths and talents and recraft your life to use them as much as you can in work, love, friendship, parenting, and leisure. For the ‘Meaningful Life,’ you use your highest strengths and talents to belong to and serve something you believe is larger than the self.

[Percarus]

Thanks charon, mtbturtle and the rest.

I enjoy the discussion. A whole array of questions have surfaced in pertaining to the topic in question. I shall give this topic a break for about two weeks and then I will congratulate or expand more on anything further that surfaces. Maybe re-iterate on all questions also. I will try to encourage creative thinking from friends and associates in the meantime on established methodologies, maybe even cover aspects in regards to 'Nirvana' and other outlandish concepts. :)

[neutron]

Hi Percarus, the elusive question on happiness, there is no set period that happiness can last of long for anyone dispite class, intelligence, race or material possessions or anything of this world. It only something that will be found at certain tmes at best at what you feel brings out the best for you, others. Like being in love, like taking a dr how long can it last and the response of those around you directly, aned indirectly.When people look back at there past lives and see a picture of their youthful past and wished they still had the same looks, they appreciate what were. Yes and know you don t know what you ve got till it s gone.....crap. the happiness displays itself in the moment true enough, but like Dorian Gray it something you know comes at a price if you want to keep it as it is, and its not worth keeping it in the end for the hasle it gives. I ve met more unhappy than happy millionaires, very good looking young males who believe they re ugly because they don t look like Justin Beber or Brad Pitt or have nt got the girl they want or think they want,ect.That should tells me and you a lot and spell out a warning that happiness is only to be found in ourselves and in self exceptence in our circumstances no matter what the life gives us, weather we can improve them or not. No matter what you have or what you ve done the grass is always greener on the other side if you aimlessly keep on looking ! The idea that happiness is even something that does nt change within yourself is wrong! What you find happy at 18 could be an embarrassment at 40. Satisfy only what you needs can have, and what you are able to feel achievable in yourself dispite the intense pressures of modern life. Don t look for happiness as a single thing in itself and it will come and found you.

[charon]

neutron

Your written English isn't too hot but that's a very good post.

Don't look for happiness as a single thing in itself and it will come and find you

Quite right.

I think Percarus is on holiday for a couple of weeks :)

[Percarus]

Hey, I said I would be away for two weeks, well I am back… I could not bother waiting too long as I got some further stuff to say. Well, I asked several individuals about their interpretation of the meaning of ‘true happiness’. I received very juvenile notions, and at random here are two selected definitions to my question:

************************************************************************
Proposed question: "What do you believe is required for one to attain 'true happiness'?" [A state of mind which leaves one impervious to pain and suffering and brings utmost satisfaction] (at least one full paragraph is required)

Neuroscientist reply: On the nature of happiness: Happiness is being able to make of life exactly what you want it to be. Taking your time, doing it slowly and systematically, nourishing it and watching the beautiful canvas that is your life unfolding before your eyes every day of your life.

CEO for a civil engineering firm’s reply: Happiness is about being on a paradigm where you are not affected by the world going on around you. You only get upset by the driver who cut you off if you let yourself be upset about it. So what if you got a parking fine you can choose to not let it upset you..... Happiness is about choice and choosing to be happy. In ever bodies life there are times that things go wrong but you can make it better or make it worse by how you react.
************************************************************************

I then made a comparison between two individual’s personality traits and it was obvious that the more holistic and less extrovert the individual was the more would be the focus on attainment of ‘inner happiness’, pretty self evident but based on a low pool of candidates.

I came to the conclusion that happiness could be easily achieved by a process of ‘surrendering’ or/and ‘acceptance’. I tried this approach a bit over this period but unfortunately it hindered my pursuit for ‘self-actualisation’ as suggested by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I have further pursued ‘acceptance’ and it does appease my mind, but then the fact that I am a Theist biases my view on aspects of ‘patience’ – after all, I still have an afterlife to live.

It is postulated that there are some key steps to immediate happiness. The first step would be to think less and ‘feel’ more. This means that one should worry less and instead focus on immediate pleasures and indeed be truly grateful for every sensation that we feel. In order words we should be appreciative for the little things in life and truly savour that cup of coffee or mayhap even the comforts of modern technology. We are not living in the dark ages anymore, we have the world at our fingertips, and indeed we should learn to enjoy what we do have.

The second step should be to frown less and smile more. To that effect we should see the humour in life and appreciate our friends’ company when possible. At hearing bad news we should be optimistic at any opportunities that may present, ie: a milestone to be overcome, an interesting story (sounds dire uh). Smiling has a direct impact on others and it should not be fake but instead we should find reason within our inner self to make it authentic. Smiling because you are grateful of existence or maybe because you enjoy the beautiful day – one should be optimistic in mentality.

Thirdly, one should talk less and listen more. This is not an invitation to be less social, but studies suggest that people take great satisfaction from talking, so when conversing if your company has something interesting to say then please motivate them to talk more – people usually love talking about themselves and what you stand to hear may prove to be really interesting. Once you understand the individual better you are then on a better position to address your viewpoints in a more elegant eloquent way – everyone wins.

Fourthly, we should judge less and accept more, after all, how many potential relationships are you ruining by openly judging someone based on a physical or lifestyle characteristic? Some of the most interesting people I have met have been unemployed their whole lives, others have severe vices. Theory also goes to show that we should watch less and do more – being active and learning is a gateway to new adventures and it is paves way to a healthy active lifestyle. Don’t complain about things but instead maybe draw positive conversation about ills that will make others more aware whilst entertaining your very own communicative self. We have to appreciate more the finer things in life – I know it’s hard, I am no master, but I am trying.

Plato listed four cardinal virtues in "The Republic." Cicero discussed these virtues in his book, "On Duties" (De Officiis). I have noticed these 4 virtues relate to the Four Step Process for Self-Transformation (Achieve Lasting Happiness Timeless Secrets to Transform Your Life by Robert Canright). Notice I said they are related, that is not to say they are equivalent.

4 Step Process -> 4 Greek Virtues
****************************
"Seek truth" -> "Wisdom"
"Commit yourself" -> "Courage"
"Live joyfully" -> "Moderation"
"Share hope" -> "Justice"

The very notion of ‘true happiness’ I am arguing for is an ideal of attaining ‘permanent happiness’. For this to be possible our very goal of happiness means that in the attainment of ‘true happiness’ we cannot base our notions of happiness around something deemed to be non-permanent. This is a pretty hard notion to get around if you are slightly materialistic like me (to me happiness would be centred on the notion of having a job, and currently I am in-between jobs).

Behind all your thoughts and emotions is a quiet observer which is your basic state of existence. It is the witness to all the thoughts that go on in your head as well as all the sights, sounds, smells and touches that hit you. It is your "sense of being"; when you emerged from your mother’s womb, it’s pretty much all that there was in your head. It never changes and has been there all your life, witnessing all external events (games with your childhood playmates, hours in classrooms, life with companions, weddings, holidays, et al) and internal events (thoughts, emotions and memories). That is what you have to make your happiness depend on. As a matter of fact that is itself happy and peaceful all the time. (Lucky Balaraman)

‘True happiness’ is a durable state of plenitude, psychiatric and physical satisfaction in which suffering and uneasiness are left absent. One has to be in good terms with the ‘interior’ and spiritual facets. Greeks called referred to such state as ‘eudaimonia’ and philosophical minds often refer to this as the attainment of pleasure. Jesus Christ highlighted that ‘love’ was fundamental in order to achieve harmony in all levels, inclusive those of happiness – such doctrine is known as ‘Christianity’ – to Atheists and alike ;) .

Ok, now what if our happiness is only defined by our genetic inheritance? I guess most of us would be screwed, but I argue that this may not be quite the case. Researchers think that only a proportion of our happiness is fixed on our genes, but this only accounts for fifty percent of our propensity to be happy (Professor Lyubomirsky). Lyubomirsky further argues that only 10% of happiness is related to external circumstances leaving at least 40% of happiness within our domain of control. Lyubomirsky (a professor of psychology) argues that a conditioning process can improve happiness on a sustained basis. Here is a list of her eight steps to the attaining of happiness:
1. Count your blessings
2. Practice acts of kindness
3. Savor life’s joys
4. Thank a mentor
5. Learn to forgive
6. Invest time and energy in friends and family
7. Take care of your body
8. Develop strategies for coping with stress

Perhaps the way to happiness is not to focus on happiness! So, indeed Lyubomirsky states that by focusing on these ‘eight ways’ to make a difference to yourself and others correlates to a life lived and lived well. I argue that any strategy/conditioning is better than none at all, so next time you are unhappy remember any of these ditties – maybe it will cheer you up.

(waiting for charon to critique every one of my points and bring me happiness and joy)

[Percarus]

I would be keen on hearing any opinions as to whether brainwashing would work in attaining 'true happiness'? Would brainwashing deprive one from achieving self-actualisation?

[charon]

Percarus

The trouble with this is that you appear serious but actually you're not. You've simply got hold of an idea and it's become a fixation. You're actually not interested in happiness, only in achieving something intellectually.

[charon]

I would be keen on hearing any opinions as to whether brainwashing would work in attaining 'true happiness'? Would brainwashing deprive one from achieving self-actualisation?

I don't want to be rude but how can brainwashing possibly lead to happiness? Let's stay on the same planet for god's sake!

You see, the trouble is you obviously have no idea what happiness is otherwise you couldn't entertain these crazy notions. It's rather tragic, isn't it?

[Percarus]

charon

I sense negativity on your part and frustration. I am serious about this conversation and it is something I have given much thought for quite sometime. The very act of 'brainwashing' conditions one's thoughts and shapes/molds it to something else. Therefore 'brainwashing', as far as I am aware, convinces someone of an alternative pathway to happiness. I would like to hear your 'intellectual' views instead rather than utter demise and winging. I have a very good understanding of what happiness is (as has been covered in the last several pages) but my main purpose was to ascertain a state in which one attains immunity to pain and lasting happiness. Brainwashing seems like a logical alternative - Scientologists deal and live with it for instance. So please, if you are going to say anything please contribute to discussion. Be happy! :D

[moranity]

Percarus,
firstly, Scientology shouldn't be used as an example of anything positive.
secondly, the universe changes, we know this, this is fact, our daily lives are cosntantly changing, therefore no single game plan can ever cope with all circumstances.If you brainwash someone you fix their mental landscape, you basically kill their mind, circumstances will occur that the brainwashing can not cope with.
thirdly, imunity from pain will lead to death, not hapiness.
fourthly? i, for one, do not believe i can tell another what to do, i am not perfect, nore do i beleive anyone else is, so who would design this brainwashing?
there is no plan, magic formula to life, when you realise this you may get somewhere in your quest for hapiness

[charon]

Percarus

Actually, I'm just gobsmacked. Here's a person seriously suggesting that a human being can be brainwashed into being happy.

I suppose they could be put into a delusional state and wander about with a silly smile but I wouldn't call that happiness.

Have you ever been happy? Of course you have. You'll know very well that any feelings of elation or joy, or just deep contentment, were passing. You didn't invite them and they eventually went on their way.

That is normal life for most of us. There's no permanent happiness, or any other state. Similarly there's no permanent pain either unless one has some kind of dreadful condition.

Most of us consider any form of brainwashing a denial of one's own psychological freedom, one's ability to be self-determining, and so on. It's the sort of thing cults do to their followers and malevolent regimes do to their prisoners. It's what certain religions do to children. Any situation in fact where the will and views of the subject are usurped.

I don't care what clever invented other-meaning you give to the word brainwashing. You can twist and play with words as much as you like.

You seem to be propagating Scientology, presumably the same Scientology that's been recently responsible for the divorce between Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. The same Scientology that has been the subject of many a condemnatory documentary and article. The same Scientology that threatens those who wish to leave or have left.

It's a stupid, dangerous cult, Percarus. If you don't know this then you're already brainwashed.

As for happiness it's mere greed that makes you want to try to capture it. There's no difference between that and wanting lots of money or anything else.

if you are going to say anything please contribute to discussion

I just did. If you were expecting anything else I can't help you.

[Percarus]

Before anyone goes 'dissing' 'Scientology' I'd recommend you do some serious research in it. I would also recommend individuals do research on 'brainwashing' - simple google would do. Some advocate that 'Happiness' is 'Brainwashing'. Question is what level of brainwashing is deemed ethical and what level is not? I will first do some more reading on the matter before tackling this in detail. ;)

[moranity]

Percarus,
if i was building a house and seeking advice on how to build it, i'd take that advice from someone who could show me a sturdy house that they had built and demonstrate it's sturdyness, not someone who said they built some fantastic house, but could not show it to me.

[Percarus]

moranity

I don't really follow your reasoning... If you are referring about Scientology to truly understand it you would have to read some of the church's books - some are truly educational and worthwhile reading, believe me.

As to brainwashing, here is an extract I found on the web:

"When people hear the word “brainwashing” they naturally assume that it’s negative. This is not always so. Sometimes brainwashing can actually help you. Some sick people brainwash themselves into thinking that they are healthy, and they actually become healthy. Some people brainwash themselves into believing that they are successful and they indeed become successful.

Brainwashing is basically convincing yourself of something that may or may not be true. Thinking about it this way you can easily see that brainwashing can be either positive or negative. You can brainwash yourself into success, but you can also brainwash yourself (or let someone else brainwash you) into failure."

[moranity]

Percarus,
being either healthy or successful does not make you happy perminently and free from pain.
i know alot about scientology, i know it's teachings, methods etc and have seen it grow from L Ron Hubbard's creation of it to what it is now.
I also know it was completely made up by mr Hubbard, who i think was a good writier, but would not take him as an example of someone who lead a life worthy of emulation.
Dianetics is just possitive thinking and meditation techniques, this can be got without the baggage and expense of scientology.
If you want to find true happiness then learn from someone who knows it, and can demonstrate that they do, or seek it for yourself(in my opinion no one can teach it, just point the way, if we are talking about what i think we are).
It is pointless to take advice from someone about how to do something, who does not demonstrate that they know how to do that thing

[charon]

Percarus

I'd suggest that you heed moranity.

Whether you're happy or not depends on how you live. If you go around behaving foolishly why should you be happy? Happiness is a by-product of your actions and way of life.

As I said before, you're fixated by this idea of 'true happiness' and its achievement. Why not question why you're interested in that? Is it because you're unhappy? Therefore don't seek an idea of happiness but understand and resolve your conflicts, fears, loneliness, problems, and so on. Then you'll never ask about happiness.

But are you listening?