The Conquest of Happiness

After having finished reading the above mentioned work by Bertrand Russell I felt the need to reaffirm the sentiments espoused within the essay. We all suffer from lack of thoughtful moments in our lives when reflection and awareness of our own happiness is the main priority. We feel that just by going to work, or feeding our children, or kissing our spouse and loved ones, a productive and practical day has been achieved. What we tend to forget, (or perhaps have never known), is that there exist much deeper levels to personal happiness; the deepest being that which contributes to the overall happiness of others. My position in this world has been one of leisure, thoughtfulness, and reflection. Due to the fact that I have not inundated myself with overwork or stress, and also because I am single and have no one to provide for but myself, I understand my point of view may be quite different than many others. I only wish to relate that happiness is all about passion for life. Happiness is all about positivity and projecting its essence into/onto all that you come across on your journey. Happiness is also about a multitude of varied interests that may occupy the mind instead of thoughts that are of a work-related or stressful nature.

We have all heard that saying, "Life is short," but have we all really taken in the true meaning of it? What is our place here on Earth? One of my coworkers and I had a discussion recently on why we, as privileged white Americans, were not born into a depressed and poverty-stricken 4th world nation? Whatever your beliefs may be, that of a transmigrating soul, Heaven, the spirit, you can still question why others must suffer and many others live a privileged and oblivious life. It is not too much to ask this question in order to become aware of the many aspects of living that surround us. With an oscillating mind and piercing eye we can begin to comprehend just how lucky we are. Perhaps these thoughts and emotions will begin to grow into practical living to ultimately reshape this egoistic, capitalistic, and selfish culture, here in the United States.