For a very long time, philosophers have been interested in the pursuit of happiness and meaning. In times past, the concept of well-being was analysed using two different frameworks.
The term "hedonia" refers to the experience of pleasure, while the term "edomonia" refers to the feeling of having something worthwhile in one's life.
Pursuing a higher meaning in life is essential to living a happy existence; it goes beyond the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment. It could be the family, the job, the natural world, or one's orientation towards God.
The ability to lead a life that is both joyful and significant is not an impossible feat. On the other hand, the pursuit of pleasure is more enticing to many people than the pursuit of a life that has significance, regardless of whether or not they are aware of this fact.
Whenever we wish our loved ones a "happy new year" or a "happy birthday," we do it without fully comprehending or considering what happiness means to that particular individual. The concept of happiness can be understood as a cliche that encapsulates a state of mental well-being that we all experience.
According to the findings of a survey that was carried out by Nielsen Research Company, the most common desire of individuals is to "enjoy life to the fullest." According to the findings of a study, the majority of individuals include "being happy" at the very top of their list of desires.
The promise of happiness is the driving force behind the large commerce that is created by life coaches and books on personal development.
Joy and pleasure are frequently mistaken with one another. The experience of pleasure is fleeting and comes about through the acquisition of an object.
Impulses such as shopping, sexuality, eating, smoking, drinking, substance use, computer gaming, social media, and gambling are examples of activities that can be considered pleasurable. These activities cause the brain to release dopamine, which in turn makes the individual feel good.
On the other side, the pursuit of meaning necessitates accepting responsibility for one's life, delaying the pursuit of pleasure, and being a challenging endeavour.
However, should the pursuit of a life that is full of positive emotions and contentment genuinely be the major drive for people?
The findings of research indicate that a life that is full of pleasurable emotions and a life that is meaningful are not the same thing. Research also suggests that the pursuit of a meaningful life is the only way to achieve genuine happiness.
Psychologists have conducted research on the impacts of the stereotypical pursuit of happiness on individuals as well as on some of the tendencies associated with it. They have come to the conclusion that the pursuit of happiness frequently has a detrimental impact on well-being. Simply put, making an effort to be happy tends to make you miserable.