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Fair point. Chasing happiness (esp. short term pleasure) as an end in itself, rather than as a side effect of doing valuable things, is unlikely to result in ha
by theorique 14y ago
Fair point. Chasing happiness (esp. short term pleasure) as an end in itself, rather than as a side effect of doing valuable things, is unlikely to result in happiness.
But I think a strategic view of "what big choices in life will contribute to long term happiness?" is a still good thing to consider.
- jessriedel 14y agoIsn't that the opposite of the original sentence I quoted?
- theorique 14y agoIt could be. I think if a person's "happiness every day" is "smoke crack and gamble in search of a short-lived rush", he needs to reevaluate, because that won't serve long term happiness. OTOH, if a person's "happiness every day" is "do yoga, spend time with family, and work reasonable hours at a job he enjoys", then that's a good idea. Ideally, the short term and the long term are reasonably aligned, otherwise you get problems.
- jessriedel 14y agoIn that case, "happiness every day" is a uselessly vague term.
- theorique 14y agoIt could be used as a mantra to remind a person to focus on things that bring him happiness. The details matter, of course.