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pritchp
01-07-2011, 04:16 PM
When most people think of what would make them happy the first thing that usually comes to mind is money. People say this because money is likely to equal less financial worries and a better quality of life.

When I was younger I always wanted to be famous and have lots of money, heck I still do! However in reality the chances of becoming famous is very slim and therefore do you keep aiming for the stars or do you come to terms with your ‘average’ life.

I cant be the only person who has sat there and dreamed about having lots of money to go and buy lots of things to make myself very happy...and then realise that i’m not in that position so can’t do it. The thing is, compared to most people out there myself and others included live a very comfy life which other people dream of having.

As I’ve grown up i’ve realised that money is not everything that leads to happiness. Having a good family life, good friends around you to support you, job security etc. All lead to happiness even if you struggle financially, Everyone has different views on what would make them happy but the thing which usually always occurs is the fact that people are never happy with what they have and want more, this is known as the economic problem: people have infinite wants but there are finite resources.

Whether you want a new car, a new house, the newest technology etc... We are want for something, now wanting for something isn’t a bad thing. When you want something you are more likely to be better driven to achieve your aims and get what you want, this in turn will lead to other peoples success of the back of yours and their work and therefore satisfy their wants as well.

The issue arises when people become unmotivated to achieve and feel that their wants are unachievable, this leads to un-driven people who don’t feel their work is rewarded enough to apply themselves and put the effort in.

What is the point im trying to get at? Well, we can’t all be rich and famous. However, if you set yourselves realistic goals and achieve them your happiness will be there right with you as you have satisfaction from achieving your goals.

Some people don’t worry about having the latest goods, the best things, the quickest cars. We all have our own ideas of happiness, don’t let other peoples success and their aims fog your goals and your happiness, you have to make your own happiness in life because most people are not going to make it for you, they are all too busy trying to achieve their aims and goals.

What makes you happy?

anzki4
01-11-2011, 08:13 AM
I couldn't think of any good summary, so I just move straight to points.

Firstly; this has a few grammatical errors, but nothing too troubling. (Nowhere near as many as I usually do :))

Secondly; this did not sound very original - no offence. I am not suggesting that you have stolen it from someone, but there are lots of writings about happiness, quite similar to this.

Thirdly, in my humble opinion; happiness does not come from achievements or fulfilling one's goals. It does not come from wealth or power. It does not come from friends and family. It comes from inside. In my opinion all these 'guides to be happy' are somewhat silly, because I think it is just something you cannot teach to anyone. Like one Finnish rapper has said; "And no one would learn anything, if answer would be given readily. You must find the answers by your self, otherwise they are not your answers."*

Sincerely,
-A4


*Note that this is a coarse translation made by me and it is way better said by the rapper himself in Finnish.

Buh4Bee
01-20-2011, 09:57 PM
I think this would do better as a blog entry than posted as a general piece of writing. It's not that argued at a sophisticated level, but I have to admit, I'm not one to criticize. My writing is not all that much better. But if that doesn't bother you, keep posting.

jocky
01-20-2011, 10:20 PM
I thought it was quite interesting, and your starting point is the American Constitution, Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness. Don't worry about grammatical errors it does not detract from your argument. Lots of posters would use that as a means of destroying your theory and throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It poses one of the biggest concerns of mankind, is happiness attainable ? Can it be related to ones financial circumstances ? Is pleasure, which is temporary, comparable to happiness ? Would you rather be a happy tramp or a miserable genius ? Well done.