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>working for social and environmental justice In my experience focusing on political causes of any kind is not a great path to happiness, as it almost inevitab

>working for social and environmental justice In my experience focusing on political causes of any kind is not a great path to happiness, as it almost inevitably results in anger, frustration or sadness at the state of the world.

sneak 6y ago
I think that you will find that directly helping those around you who are in need is a lot more beneficial to your well-being than you might believe otherwise.
- logicchains 6y ago
  The poster I was replying to used the phrase "working for social and environmental justice". My understanding of that phrase is that it refers to trying to bring about political change, which can be a stressful experience.
  - kiba 6y ago
    It seems to me that there are was to do social changes that aren't necessarily stressful, like helping to provide or deliver food to the homeless.
    - logicchains 6y ago
      I definitely agree if somebody wants to do stuff like volunteering, that would probably be good for their mental health.
glutamate 6y ago
The goal is not happiness; the goal is liberation.
- logicchains 6y ago
  The goal the article is referring to is improving mental health. Is a consistently unhappy person considered mentally healthy?
  - glutamate 6y ago
    If I worked for my own happiness, how would I look at myself in the mirror knowing that my happiness is based on an unsustainable lifestyle? How can I be happy knowing that that my sisters can't get three square meals a day and my brothers can't breathe?
    - logicchains 6y ago
      >If I worked for my own happiness, how would I look at myself in the mirror knowing that my happiness is based on an unsustainable lifestyle? Clearly you have goals/values other than just "maximising own happiness". If your goal was purely that (not suggesting it should be), then those other values would just stand in the way of happiness.
    - snikeris 6y ago
      I would argue that you are in a better position to help your brothers and sisters from a place of happiness. You know, put on your oxygen mask before you help the passenger next to you. Otherwise you’ve passed out and are of no use to anyone.
- andi999 6y ago
  Often when people try to 'liberate' a society most people of that society end up in deeper misery, especially if the 'liberation' was successful. The stability gained from institution should not be undervalued and easily discarded/bypassed.
scollet 6y ago
> anger, frustration or sadness Neglecting and suppressing emotions definitely doesn't improve mental health. The belief that everything must be happy and bring pleasure is delusional and hurtful.

sneak 6y ago

I think that you will find that directly helping those around you who are in need is a lot more beneficial to your well-being than you might believe otherwise.

logicchains 6y ago
The poster I was replying to used the phrase "working for social and environmental justice". My understanding of that phrase is that it refers to trying to bring about political change, which can be a stressful experience.
- kiba 6y ago
  It seems to me that there are was to do social changes that aren't necessarily stressful, like helping to provide or deliver food to the homeless.
  - logicchains 6y ago
    I definitely agree if somebody wants to do stuff like volunteering, that would probably be good for their mental health.

glutamate 6y ago

The goal is not happiness; the goal is liberation.

logicchains 6y ago
The goal the article is referring to is improving mental health. Is a consistently unhappy person considered mentally healthy?
- glutamate 6y ago
  If I worked for my own happiness, how would I look at myself in the mirror knowing that my happiness is based on an unsustainable lifestyle? How can I be happy knowing that that my sisters can't get three square meals a day and my brothers can't breathe?
  - logicchains 6y ago
    >If I worked for my own happiness, how would I look at myself in the mirror knowing that my happiness is based on an unsustainable lifestyle? Clearly you have goals/values other than just "maximising own happiness". If your goal was purely that (not suggesting it should be), then those other values would just stand in the way of happiness.
  - snikeris 6y ago
    I would argue that you are in a better position to help your brothers and sisters from a place of happiness. You know, put on your oxygen mask before you help the passenger next to you. Otherwise you’ve passed out and are of no use to anyone.
andi999 6y ago
Often when people try to 'liberate' a society most people of that society end up in deeper misery, especially if the 'liberation' was successful. The stability gained from institution should not be undervalued and easily discarded/bypassed.

scollet 6y ago

> anger, frustration or sadness Neglecting and suppressing emotions definitely doesn't improve mental health. The belief that everything must be happy and bring pleasure is delusional and hurtful.