[thedoc (OP)]

We’re all searching for happiness, but do we really know what this is or where to find it?  Douglas E. Richards gives an introduction to the science of happiness and argues that this is a vitally important topic that we, as a society, should be teaching our children...

Read the article then tell us what you think...

[glovesforfoxes]

I agree with this entirely [] It's taken a long time for science to try to study happiness, though, considering it's such an intrinsic part of the human experience!

[yor_on]

Happiness seems to be closely associated with certain centers in the brain. And drugs stimulate them too if I'm not wrong, as well as electricity. I'm not sure it's locked to doing 'worthwhile' things only but when involving your body your mind will feel better that when just sedating, you release a lot of chemicals rewarding you, well as soon as you passed that first laziness thresh hold.

[GrumpyShedMonster]

Right! its the doing thats important.

I've always thought of happiness as persuing a goal, which is difficult enough to keep you interested but easy enough so you don't give up.  Once the goal is achieved you get a few moments of satisfaction before looking for something else to do.  So you don't achieve happiness and that it - now you are happy - you have make your happiness by continually persuing interesting things to do.

[mrkirkpatrick]

Douglas, I have to say I truly enjoyed reading this article.  I share your views on this one all the way!  Especially the part where time seems to stand still for you on shopping trips with your wife.  []   In all sincerity, your approach here is what our world could use more of in these troubled times.  Thank you.

Best Regards,

[graham.d]

I generally agree with the article but would like to offer a slight criticism regarding the often repeated statement that there is no correlation between wealth and happiness. This is usually accompanied by the examples of unhappy millionaires and recollections of being happy when having "nothing". I think this is an observation reserved mostly for the privileged and comfortable, and, perhaps, the term "having nothing" requires some qualification.

Whilst I would agree money does not buy happiness, it is a fact that not having sufficient to cover one's basic requirements in life definitely results in depression. For those in the comfort of modern societies, a position of not having as much as their peers, even if having enough for their needs, can suffer from feelings of inferiority or depression as a result. It may be good therapy to tell these people that they shouldn't feel this way, but this is merely a palliative, perhaps in a way that Karl Marx thought of as religion as providing.

[rgkwustl]

IMHO, the Buddha had a lot psychological insight into happiness. A man who is happy worries about not being happy later. Paradoxically, happiness leads to unhappiness. For example, I'm happy that I have a job and believe I will be unhappy if I lost it. So I overwork (which begets more work) and have no time for my family or friends and consequently am unhappy. I think instead of pursuing happiness we should pursue contentment and equanimity (easier said)

[Airthumbs]

I couldn't read the article because I am not happy enough! Although this is my centenary post, nope still didn't perk me up!