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So , as I currently understand it. Happiness is unattainable in this life. However, we can increase our utility (happiness) by mainly internal factors (thinking, beliefs, habits), as well as some external stimuli (other souls, activities, basic needs).
Many religions have different views. Some believe that this life is hard. That it shouldn't be a joy ride. That our reward will come once you pass.
Others believe to live it up now, for there is no right or wrong, only perception, and there is no tomorrow.
I could choose to live more like Buddha , or more like an apostle, or more like a drug toking rock star.
However, which path shall one choose?
I have read many books on the scientific nature of happiness and how one can increase their own utility. However, in this world we live, basic needs are only met by conforming to the system for the most part. Which glamorizes dead-end happiness traps. They don't teach you survival skills in mandatory detention schools.
Where human beings meant to live on the grids? Everyone says, "oh let the lion out of that cage" "they are meant to be free!!!" ..
However, you never hear a person say let that intellectual , beautiful person out of the cage of social conformity.
I understand that humans are social creatures, and happiness doesn't exist on this earth if you are alone. However, is what humans do now actually fulfilling social needs. Shakespeare said all the world is a stage... and it hasn't changed since his time. Only in a world where humans can be themselves and not be afraid, can they be amazingly happy and live peacefully with all. We all live in social cages, at work, at school, at play. What you tell one group about yourself, you dare not tell the other for fear of resentment and separation.
My question, and reason posting in this forum, is that I would like any books about striving for happiness, human meaning, that you've read, posted here, so I might wander my limited mind in the thoughts of another soul, for we are all eternal and ever seeking.
I have not read it yet, but The Happiness Myth is on my list of books to read. Jennifer Michael Hecht breaks down the things that are thought to make people happy and why that's the case. It might not completely fit your qualifications, but maybe it's worth reading about on Amazon?
I've already read that ... twice, actually maybe it's been three times. I forget.
I know the first time it really helped me a lot. Because it was during a time period where I was the most depressed I have ever been in my life. So it really got me thinking more positively and I was getting the best grades of my life in school, and getting in good shape, and even receiving the best spot in the parking lots.
However, I think it's way to hard to always force your mind to think positively like that. I think forcing yourself to think only about positive things can actually lead to unhappiness and eventual BURN OUT.
The book pretty much says to ignore your negative thoughts , your negative past experiences and anything you don't want. I don't think it's possible for a human being to be true to themselves and their friends and family with always stressing yourself out trying to think positively and ignoring reality.
I mean, ignorance is bliss... but not true bliss/happiness.
The Secret is a good book to read , to start on a happiness trail, however, you must put it into perspective.
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.
I cannot recommend this book enough
I'll have to check it out.
"Living in the moment"
How does one do that? When your at work, you try to ignore the clock, but most of the time you check it at least 10 times an hour. Thinking of the future when you can clock out and be at home.
I have heard living in the moment is a way to get over addictions, be happier and love life.
It seems so HARD to me. Like one of the hardest things ever.
I want to buy a watch that looks nice (but really is cheap), just to attract women. B.c most women like guys with money and who seem important. A nice watch is a great signal to attract more women to you.
However, I still am watchless. I don't want to buy one b.c I don't want to be self absorbed and think I'm so important I need a watch!! even though every cell phone already tells time.
It's obvious that time is MAN-Made, and doesn't really exist. Only in our mind can we think of the future and the past. Once you get out of a boring day at school or at work (where you were actually feeling pain waiting for the time to pass), you feel relief and like the day went by quickly. For that is a time when you are in the moment and the past doesn't matter anymore.
It's just so hard again, in this man made system of 40 hour work weeks, and hourly pay, instead of pay for production, that we see the future as hope and the past as resilience, and we miss out on the only place where happiness can exist which is in the present.
Try Viktor Frankl's "Man Search for Meaning". Frankl was a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust. One of my favorite quotes is "Man is capable of changing the world for the better if possible, and of changing himself for the better if necessary."
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