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"I'm quite happy, and I manage to be happy without having a list of the 6 essential things I must do every day to stay happy." I don't think the OP is doing wh
by larrys 14y ago
"I'm quite happy, and I manage to be happy without having a list of the 6 essential things I must do every day to stay happy."
I don't think the OP is doing what you imply he is doing. He is merely listing things he does that work for him.
And some of the things listed I agree with and do (sleep, exercise) but getting up early and going to bed early is not.
"the people most into self-help books"
From my personal experience I would agree with this. There is something wrong and it appears they are searching for answers. People who are already happy don't need these answers, and if not a subject which you want to find out about because of curiosity there isn't much of a reason to read those books.
Related, on things that I am really good at I tend not to want to read any books, lest what I read alters my thinking as far as what already works for me (might put doubt into my head).
- bpatrianakos 14y agoI think you missed your parent's point. I don't think his comment was a knock against the OP at all or even that he implied that Joel's list was some kind of self help advice along the lines of those "6 essential things to make you happy" type books. It seems that Joel's post only reminded him of such nonsense and he commented about that and not the actual post. I know where he's coming from too. I really liked this post and enjoy all of Joel's writing but every now and then I see enough happiness advice on the front page that I get burnout from it and am reminded of all the crappy, empty advice there is.