Pursuing Purpose: Why Happiness Isn't Enough
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Chapter 1: The Elusiveness of Happiness
Happiness is often overvalued. Whether you're a humble bricklayer or a wealthy millionaire, the desire for happiness is universal. However, the true essence of happiness remains elusive. For one individual, happiness may stem from family, while another finds it in fast cars or fleeting highs. Some even advocate for complete renunciation of worldly pleasures.
Before we chase happiness, perhaps we should ask ourselves: “Why is happiness our ultimate goal?” While there’s no definitive answer, there are numerous reasons why it might not be.
Here’s a compelling question: Is happiness truly the pinnacle of human aspiration?
Happiness Can Be Monotonous
The ideal of a “happily ever after” is a myth. Even if it were attainable, it would eventually become tiresome. Our tendency to adapt means that the exhilaration from new experiences—be it a fresh relationship, a job promotion, or a windfall—quickly dissipates.
In the fantasy novel “Warbreaker,” the character Lightsong, despite being an immortal with endless pleasures, finds himself discontented. The biggest deception we tell ourselves is, “Once I achieve X, I will be happy.” This fleeting satisfaction soon becomes the new normal, leading to the question, “What’s next?”
As beings of transformation, stagnation equates to a lack of growth.
Happiness as Justification
When our actions clash with our core beliefs, we experience cognitive dissonance. This mental conflict can arise when indulging in unhealthy habits while being aware of their consequences.
Instead of addressing this dissonance by changing our behaviors, we often use the concept of happiness as an excuse. We rationalize poor decisions, saying, “Life is too short to give up what makes me happy,” thereby justifying unhealthy choices.
Something More Profound than Happiness
In a world where every action has a reaction, our existence is the product of countless causes. Each interaction we have with others can significantly impact many lives, creating a ripple effect akin to the butterfly effect.
By the time we pass, our actions will have created innumerable consequences, underscoring the immense significance of every individual. This reality brings with it a profound sense of responsibility—to ourselves and the world around us.
Finding Your True Purpose
If purpose is the destination, meaning acts as the guiding light. When we pursue what genuinely resonates with us, we fulfill our purpose. This shift in perspective—from “How does this make me feel?” to “What is the reason behind this?”—helps eliminate excuses.
Renowned Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl emphasized that meaning is the primary driving force in humanity, laying the foundation for Logotherapy. As Friedrich Nietzsche stated, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
Whether it’s an entrepreneur dedicating long hours to a dream or a corporate leader striving to uplift underprivileged communities, it’s meaning that fuels their endeavors.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between pursuing happiness and purpose is personal. Fortunately, they often coexist. If you decide to chase happiness, ensure it’s not merely an excuse. Always confront cognitive dissonance directly.
If you lean towards purpose, embrace the rarity of that choice. Let the question, “What drives me?” guide your actions. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely remarked, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to make a difference.”
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Chapter 2: Insights from Videos
In the video titled "Why I Stopped Chasing Happiness," the speaker discusses the pitfalls of pursuing happiness as a primary goal in life. It highlights the deeper aspects of fulfillment that can lead to a more meaningful existence.
The second video, "Stop Chasing Happiness," further elaborates on the idea that the constant quest for happiness can often distract us from discovering our true purpose and meaning in life.