What is “happiness”? It is a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Period. But is this the answer to the deep underlying human significance of this question? Hardly. Therefore we have to reword the question. Is it about the frequently invoked meaning of life? Is there such a thing? Or is it rather about obtaining a state of peace of mind? Are we, human beings, supposed to be “happy”? Is perceived happiness just “Soma” for us people to keep us quiet and functioning? Is life about living our inherent human potential to the fullest and enjoying the feeling of happiness as a consequence? Or can happiness be generated artificially? Without any preceding meaningful action? Can I just sit there and be happy? However, it is complex. It seems to me that we human beings have, on the one hand, some kind of elemental mission to fulfill during our lifetime. A profound nature-inherent mission which we cannot argue about. On the other hand we have the ability to reflect about our doing, as no other creature on this planet can. We are even able to ponder about our thinking and feeling. Actually, this is what we are doing right now. And this is where all the trouble starts. Or is it rather the potential for hope, profound meaning, and true value which goes hand in hand with this unique ability? I believe we have to distinguish between the feelings of superficial short-term happiness and substantial insight-based satisfaction. I am sure we can live a quite happy life by just following our “god-given” mission, without questioning anything. But is this kind of life really saturated with deep inner value? Do we live our lives to the fullest by pursuing the mission blindly? Just being compliant? Or are we supposed to make full use of our abilities, being naughty and egoistic? Daring pure non-compliance? In order to answer these questions we need a useful point of reference. But what could constitute an all-embracing benchmark for our lives? Is there such a thing? Can there be one at all? Or is life too complex and individual to be measured by only one yardstick? Certainly. Nevertheless we all seem to share a common understanding of a fulfilled life. At least concerning the core of it. We just live it in different forms and on different levels, trying to achieve the best we can be. However, on this journey we are advised not to be too considered towards conformity. Instead leading a self-determined life without fearing temporary falls and encompassing resentments, strongly believing in ourselves and our very own individual path where no one else can follow. Certainly in peace with our human nature and society. Otherwise we are doomed to fight a war we cannot win. So in conclusion, without having defined the exact location of the greater transcendent bliss we are all searching for, we can be content with having all our abilities and the consequent possibilities. We just have to make use of them. And happiness will follow…

By the way, there is a topic-related song that comes to my mind:

Lyrics to Society from EDDIE VEDDER:

It’s a mistery to me
we have a greed
with which we have agreed

You think you have to want
more than you need
until you have it all you won’t be free

When you want more than you have
you think you need
and when you think more than you want
your thoughts begin to bleed

I think I need to find a bigger place
‘cos when you have more than you think
you need more space

there’s those thinking more or less less is more
but if less is more how you’re keeping score?
Means for every point you make
your level drops
kinda like its starting from the top
you can’t do that…

society, you’re a crazy breed
I hope you’re not lonely without me
society, crazy and deep
I hope you’re not lonely without me

society, have mercy on me
I hope you’re not angry if I disagree
society, crazy and deep
I hope you’re not lonely without me…