The phrase “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is perhaps the most popular Phrase in the American Declaration of Independence.
It is a seemingly simple phrase, however over the ages scholars have argued about the context in which the word happiness was used in the text.
Some would say that while the current usage of the word "happiness" focuses more on pleasant, positive emotions and having needs satisfied. In 1776; however, the common usage was probably focused more on prosperity, thriving and well-being.
I for one, like to think that the happiness’s proper definition lies somewhere in the concatenation of both the old usage and the new one. The quality of our existence truly depends on how much happiness we accrue in our lives.
John Locke once wrote that “The highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of happiness
So indeed happiness is actually what we need to pursue first and foremost. Any other thing we pursue is secondary. No matter what life throws at your feet, if you can find a way to be happy despite it, you’ve not lost the war.
An Important Question
What is your source of happiness? Yes, I am talking to you! You reading the article. In the context of both the old and new usage of the word! Are you truly happy? Or are you merely minding the cracks of your emotional, financial and spiritual fragility? Are you truly happy?
Does your happiness depend on fickle things that could easily get snuffed out like a candle in the wind? Or is it built atop solid foundations?
People tend to tie there happiness to real life things, like a big house, a big car, the latest gadgets, a great spouse, money, expensive vacations. Who am I to say which of these is fickle or not?
But if you possess these… are you sure losing one, multiple or all of these won’t destroy your happiness
If you're still aiming to attain these… will you have to sacrifice your happiness in the pursuit of “happyness”.
Will you still find a way to be happy if you lose that Job? Would you still find reasons to smile if you find out your spouse is cheating on you? Or will you fall to pieces never to be reassembled again?
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Thank you @daghdough... welcome to steemit
Wonderful post, thanks for sharing! My source of happiness are my children and the ability to express my creativity freely :)
That is great! Children are just bundles of joy, you're very lucky to have them, stay happy
Yeah sure are and I do count myself lucky. They do come with a great responsibility though, children are always a subject to worry about ;)
Amazing post friend, I think we all need to redefine what truly makes us happy and stay contented with those little beautiful things in our lives
Yh. Contrary to popular belief, happiness comes from the little things. Like our family & friends reading good books, playing songs and visiting new places.. e.t.c.
1.Lost my job
2.My laptop got literally fried
3.I need to go to a doctor (f*** PCOS)
4.I can't lose weight despite dieting for months (look at number 3)
5.I have a narcissistic mom
6.Dad is enabling her
7.My sister is the golden child
8.My sister is actually a loving, 12 years old sweetie who I love to death
9.I have a boyfriend who loves me despite my flaws, and frankly, Darcy and his Pemberly are nothing compared to my boyfriend's personality
10.I learned to detach myself from the things I cannot control and count my blessings, they might be only two in your eyes, but for me, THEY MEAN THE WORLD
P.S.I want to use this comment to say happy birthday to my boyfriend who showed me how the real pursuit of happiness looks like.
Lol! It's good to know
Never let anything steal your happiness. It is the only that actually really matters.
Count your blessings, even at rock bottom; you're still alive