Deciphering the Pursuit of Happiness: Why Do We Live?
Happiness is a complex, powerful paradigm and dictates our lives, but what is it really?
Our days are filled with glory, whilst our nights are filled with sorrows. Our fantasies are full of happiness, whilst our nightmares are filled with resentment. Our pursuit brings success, whilst our doubt brings failure.
Within the complex path of life that we walk, the pursuit of happiness is a defining feature that stands out. It shines through the gloomy world that we live in, operating under the oppressive system that has been in control for so long. It is something that all humans are enveloped in doing, for happiness is the key to living the perfect life, right?
So frequently we hear of successful people preaching that happiness is the true entity that we should attempt to achieve, for riches, success, and all the superficial actualities on this god-forsaken planet won’t bring you what you truly desire. However, I perceive this as the very reason that humanity is headed toward inevitable death.
Progress has always been eminent in our world, with us, humans, using our rational minds and intellect to bring about massive changes to this planet. As once noted, we have exerted so much influence and change on the planet though all of our corpses could be mushed together into a giant ball that could fit inside of Central Park in NYC. Though Hank Greene expressed this sentiment comedically, it was quite a thought-provoking idea, for we have established such a formidable force on this planet for a community of miniscule, insignificant beings.
Progress always seems to be slow whilst one is living, for the gradual, compounding change seems to barely embody change in the world, whilst over long periods of time, the difference is astounding. However, it is true that by some means, measurable growth in the spectrums of life have been decreasing.
Though diminishing returns plays a predominant role in the logarithmic chart of human innovation, I’ve noticed that this “Pursuit of Happiness” has also become a detriment on society. While the desire to be content is one that in-and-of-itself isn’t harmful, it’s out misinterpretation of it that makes the entity increasingly malign.
Settling is setting the source for our standard. Rather than reaping the benefits of a fruitful life many are resorting to satisfy themselves with their current state, refusing to push on and continue fulfilling their true potential. Nowadays, it might seem as if wealthy individuals are commonplace, but this isn’t true, and simply goes to show how much exposure and power they possess simply from their wealth.
Motivation is a dire, limited resource in a pool among billions, increasingly becoming a rarity with each passing second. As we have begun to settle, our values have changed to revolve around this. Occupation, relationships, passions, knowledge, among others have all been forsaken and taken advantage of.
In fact, our current society is riddled with such an immense state of inobservance that the majority aren’t aware of the massive dangers arising daily, along with the shortening advances we are making. Our focus has shifted towards viewing the successful people and following their lives, for many feel second-hand pleasure through their experiences.
Rather than attempt to fulfill this through persistence, many have chosen the path of ignorance and indolence. This has all come as a by-product of the Pursuit of Happiness, for satisfaction has become easily achieved through artificial means. By, upon reflection on their deathbed, a multitude realize the mistakes they have made and the insincerity of their “happiness”
Our brain enjoys deceiving us, for it is constantly working in a way favorable to it. In fact, the brain is similar in caliber to us. As we study, explore, and gain valuable experience, the brain becomes eminently stronger, but it tries the brain quite quickly. For the same reason that many lack dedication to work-out or attend the gym, our brain doesn’t initially enjoy the experience.
With training and repetition, one can mold their mind into meddling and directing their bodies towards this-I have been able to do this, and I’ve observed a drastic change internally. The Pursuit of Happiness is commonly mistaken for settling, when it was truly based on the notion of pursuit of one’s desires and diligence towards a passion.
Don’t fall victim to the scheme of this common path, but rather devote yourself and utilize your tenacity to ameliorate yourself to new heights. Become your own person, and unlock your true potential. We all have within us a happiness reserve, and once we fulfill ourselves, that reserve will automatically unlock. One day, it will become apparent. Until then, we must simply march forward with enthusiasm and rigor.
