What makes you happy? Is it the things you do, the people around you, or the places where you live and visit?

 

There is no single answer that fits everyone. In fact, not even psychologists and philosophers agree on the definition of happiness or the best way to achieve it. And the argument has been going on for a long time.

 

Early Greek philosophers in the 5th century BC—known as “sophists”—identified happiness with pleasure and social success. In their teaching, moral goodness (virtue) and happiness were unrelated.

 

The idea that happiness is not the result of pleasure and success surfaced in the teachings of Socrates (470–399 BCE) who taught that happiness is obtainable through the actions we take. He recognized the distinction between body and soul, believing that each of us can learn to pacify our mind and achieve tranquility. His student Plato (428–348 BCE) argued that human beings cannot experience joy and happiness without being morally good. Plato’s student, Aristotle (384–322 BCE) expounded further that happiness is directly linked to virtue of character. Simply stated, Aristotle argued that happiness is doing the right thing, at the right time, and in the right way.

 

Ever since, the “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” (Beatles 1964) theme seems to have won the philosophical argument whenever it comes up with some notable commentators along the way in bombastic language like Thomas Jefferson (Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us but is the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits). Or more simple terms like Gandhi (Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.)

 

But when it comes to behavior, “Money” (Kingsmen 1964) might be a more fitting theme for our consumption driven society:

Money don’t get everything it’s true

But what it don’t get, I can’t use

Your lovin’ gives me a thrill

But your lovin’ don’t pay my bills

 

That is, we say one thing but act another. So are the rich happier? Next time we will look at actual data across the world to see if it true.