By Sicebise Msengana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Philosophy of Happiness: A Deeper Perspective

Happiness is one of the most misunderstood and paradoxical aspects of human existence. Philosophers throughout history have debated its nature—what it is, where it comes from, and whether it should even be pursued. Some argue that happiness is the ultimate goal of life, while others claim that the pursuit of happiness itself is what makes it elusive.

At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental question: Is happiness a fleeting emotion or a state of being?

Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic Happiness

Ancient Greek philosophy offers two contrasting views of happiness: hedonia and eudaimonia.

Hedonic happiness, as proposed by Epicurus, is based on pleasure and the avoidance of pain. This view suggests that maximizing pleasure—whether through wealth, relationships, or achievements—leads to happiness. Many modern people unconsciously subscribe to this philosophy, believing that acquiring more money, love, or success will make them happy.

Eudaimonic happiness, a concept developed by Aristotle, is deeper. It is not about fleeting pleasure but about living a meaningful, virtuous life. According to Aristotle, happiness is not about indulging in temporary highs but about striving for excellence, fulfilling one’s purpose, and developing character. True happiness comes not from external validation but from within—through self-growth, discipline, and contribution to something greater than oneself.

This distinction explains why people who seem to "have it all" are often miserable, while those who endure hardship but live with purpose find contentment. The illusion that wealth, status, or constant pleasure will lead to happiness is one of the greatest traps of modern life.

The Hedonic Treadmill and the Illusion of Lasting Happiness

Modern psychology introduces the concept of the hedonic treadmill, which suggests that no matter how much we achieve or acquire, we always return to a baseline level of happiness.

For example, a person who wins the lottery may feel ecstatic for a few months, but over time, they revert to their previous level of happiness. Similarly, someone who experiences a setback may suffer temporarily but eventually adapts and returns to their baseline. This proves that happiness isn’t tied to external circumstances—it is a state of mind.

This is why chasing happiness directly often leads to disappointment. When people believe, "I’ll be happy when I get rich, find love, or achieve success," they set themselves up for failure. Because once they attain these things, they realize that happiness is still just out of reach.

The key is to stop seeing happiness as something to be achieved and instead cultivate it as something to be practiced through gratitude, mindfulness, and personal growth.

Existentialism: Finding Meaning in Struggle

Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Viktor Frankl argue that happiness is not the goal of life—meaning is. Life is inherently full of suffering, uncertainty, and chaos. Instead of avoiding discomfort, one must embrace struggle as an opportunity to create meaning.

Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that those who survived the horrors of concentration camps were not the ones who pursued happiness, but those who found a sense of purpose—whether through love, faith, or the desire to help others.

Happiness, in this view, is not about escaping suffering but about finding meaning within it. This is why people who devote themselves to something greater—whether it’s family, art, philosophy, or humanitarian work—experience deeper fulfillment than those who simply chase pleasure.

Stoicism: Mastering Your Mindset

The Stoic philosophers, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, took a different approach. They argued that happiness is not found in external things but in how we respond to life’s challenges.

Stoicism teaches:

You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.

Desiring what you cannot control leads to suffering, while focusing on what you can control leads to inner peace.

Happiness is achieved through self-discipline, wisdom, and accepting life as it is, rather than wishing it were different.

This philosophy aligns with modern psychology’s emphasis on resilience and emotional regulation. People who constantly complain, feel victimized, or blame external forces for their unhappiness remain stuck. Meanwhile, those who take responsibility for their mindset and actions cultivate lasting contentment.

Conclusion: The Art of Living Over the Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness is not a destination—it is a byproduct of how you live. Constantly chasing happiness, wealth, or success will leave you feeling empty because these things are not the source of true fulfillment.

Instead, cultivate happiness by:

1. Focusing on meaning over pleasure – Strive for purpose, not just comfort.

2. Practicing gratitude – Recognize what you already have instead of obsessing over what’s missing.

3. Mastering your mindset – Accept what you can’t control and take action on what you can.

4. Living in the present – Don’t let life pass you by in pursuit of an illusion.

The greatest irony is that when you stop obsessing over happiness and simply live with purpose, gratitude, and resilience, happiness follows naturally.