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"I've got to say, I still don't understand the obsession these days with "happiness". Who sits around reflecting (and measuring) their happiness, as if it's som

"I've got to say, I still don't understand the obsession these days with "happiness". Who sits around reflecting (and measuring) their happiness, as if it's some numerical, achievable end-goal?" American society has created a thought that if you're successful, wealthy, or influential, that is what brings happiness. Thus, some deprogramming (IE, it isn't your circumstances but rather your attitude your circumstances that makes you happy) is often necessary. And this happens within the church too, as much as it's preached against. (I say this as an Ex-Christian apostate with experiences in multiple churches.) And according to Shawn Achor's research (I'm listening to his audiobook now) happiness is correlated with higher performance. For that reason alone, it's worth looking for ways to raise our base happiness level. "It also surprises me that as a "devoted Christian for 25 years" who would at least have some Biblical knowledge, Ryan doesn't at least acknowledge the inherent spiritual incompleteness of placing his hope in worldly and material things. (Ecclesiastes, Ryan? Or Job 1:21? Or Phil 4:12?)" I read that as he's Ex-Christian, not currently Christian, so such advice would not be considered any more valid than the Tao Te Ching.

286c8cb04bda 14y ago
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Even though I'm not a Christian, I'd certainly consider that valid advice. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. To this non-Taoist, that one seems pretty wise, also. I try to consider the message, and not the messenger.
kirse 14y ago
I read that as he's Ex-Christian, not currently Christian, so such advice would not be considered any more valid than the Tao Te Ching. Maybe, but one does not simply turn off 25 years of spiritual training and knowledge like a light switch. There is plenty of good practical wisdom contained in the Bible, especially in Proverbs + Ecclesiastes. My hunch is that while Ryan has an emotional issue with the concept of people being held accountable for our moral choices (i.e. justice being served at the end of life), mentioning Biblical scripture here wouldn't be like throwing "pearls before swine" -- he seems like an open and smart guy and probably still has some level of respect for the Bible.

286c8cb04bda 14y ago

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Even though I'm not a Christian, I'd certainly consider that valid advice. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. To this non-Taoist, that one seems pretty wise, also. I try to consider the message, and not the messenger.

kirse 14y ago

I read that as he's Ex-Christian, not currently Christian, so such advice would not be considered any more valid than the Tao Te Ching. Maybe, but one does not simply turn off 25 years of spiritual training and knowledge like a light switch. There is plenty of good practical wisdom contained in the Bible, especially in Proverbs + Ecclesiastes. My hunch is that while Ryan has an emotional issue with the concept of people being held accountable for our moral choices (i.e. justice being served at the end of life), mentioning Biblical scripture here wouldn't be like throwing "pearls before swine" -- he seems like an open and smart guy and probably still has some level of respect for the Bible.