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I will use this definition of "happiness" in my reply: an emotional state arising from a way of life that is fulfilling, meaningful, makes the person fully satisfied but at the same time eager to explore, to set new exciting goals. I know someone who has some unique qualities: this person is passionate but at the same time deeply analytical and profoundly sincere. E.g. he goes to the deepest possible degree of being honest with himself (by unflinchingly scrutinizing his beliefs, feelings, reactions), and does so in systematic, thorough way, gaining more and more understanding about how mind works. This understanding allowed him to build his personal system of self-improvement (he describes it in several books which I don't link here because they are not translated yet into English), so he was able to rework himself into a truly happy person. I've used some of his methods and I personally attest that they can be very effective if applied properly. But it is rather difficult to apply them! Because you have to be alike to the person who invented these methods: sincere, passionate, and persevering. Not everybody has these qualities. I think that the key to the happiness is to be sincere, to strive for honesty. To know yourself and understand how your mind works, what it wants and why. Once a person truly understands themselves, they will be able to figure out their personal path to happiness. Which is unique for everyone. |