The Pursuit of Unhappiness

Misery is a rational response to the world, but sometimes you just have to feel good. Try not to get carried away.

By Jerry Adler | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Feb 3, 2008 | Updated: 4:50 p.m. ET Feb 1, 2008

« Return to Article

Discuss

Posted By: mjkittredge @ 05/10/2008 10:40:36 PM

Comment: Happiness, as I understand it, comes from having fun and interesting things (and people) to look forward to on a regular basis. It comes from feeling confident, from having the freedom to express yourself. It comes from being in a situation where you have some resources, luxuries, leeway, and aren't in fear for your life or belongings. It comes from being connected to others. It comes from success in ones endeavors, being challenged and overcoming challenges.
Posted By: Bornita @ 02/27/2008 1:58:42 PM

Comment: Think of your life as a canvas, and each thought as a colour. What picture do you want to paint? Quote from James the psychic.
Posted By: zepher @ 02/19/2008 11:45:26 PM

Comment: I concur we do not need to overpatholigize the normal spectrum of emotions. Experiencing "what is " deepens our appreciation for the tempestuous nature of the human adventure. Nonetheless, we all could benefit from sharing our ride with a thoughtful soul. Doc Rick
Posted By: wrauksie @ 02/12/2008 3:21:50 PM

Comment: Oh, good grief. Isn't he old enough to have outgrown his teen angst?
Posted By: wrauksie @ 02/12/2008 3:20:40 PM

Comment: Oh, good grief. Isn't he old enough to have grown out of his teen angst?
Posted By: laux @ 02/12/2008 11:33:29 AM

Comment: I do not think that is easy to be sad, I think that to be happy by unconsciousness is easier.
What is really difficult is to be happy knowing all the misery of the world; and I also think that if there were more "aware" people, it would be less dying polar bears.
When I see a new born I also wish him happiness because I know that is not easy to be it in the world that we are leaving for him
Posted By: laux @ 02/12/2008 11:32:31 AM

Comment: I do not think that is easy to be sad, I think that to be happy by unconsciousness is easier.
What is really difficult is to be happy knowing all the misery of the world; and I also think that if there were more "aware" people, it would be less dying polar bears.
When I see a new born I also wish him happiness because I know that is not easy to be it in the world that we are leaving for him
Posted By: laux @ 02/12/2008 11:31:47 AM

Comment: I do not think that is easy to be sad, I think that to be happy by unconsciousness is easier.
What is really difficult is to be happy knowing all the misery of the world; I think that if there were more "aware" people, there would be less dying polar bears.
When I see new borns I also wish them happiness because I know that is not easy to be it in the world that we are leaving for them.
Posted By: VVhappyday @ 02/12/2008 10:23:03 AM

Comment: I was once engaged to a young man that lived in this type of "I am aware of the world's problems and therefore cannot be happy" state of mind. Please note I said "once engaged". I am now married to a man that is happy in general. Note that I said "married". Point is, people (in general) like to be around other people that are happy. We deal enough with the problems of our daily lives, the struggles of daily existance, commutes, and sadness around the world, It is a struggle to be happy, it is easy to be sad! I say a morally superior person can fight the temptation of being unhappy and helps the world's issues, instead of wallowing in the sadness, which makes most people unable to move!
Posted By: vincec @ 02/03/2008 8:43:10 AM

Comment: Hawthorne says happiness is like a butterfly, who will come to you if you wait. We tend to confuse this emotion with sustained pleasure, rather than an ability to appreciate one's blesssings. When we reflect on the gift of life, we find true happiness. For a simple guide to finding happiness in everyday life go to www.happinessinfive.com