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When I think of all the things I’ve given up in the search for happiness, I wonder why I did it and what if anything is left. The question of whether we have a right to happiness is complex and varies significantly across different cultural, legal, and philosophical contexts.
My most valuable asset is curiosity. But my greatest achievement is learning to live well on very little.
James King
I am still not sure whether I am happy or not. In truth I can say I am never miserable. But the definition of happy is not, not being miserable. There are degrees; degrees of happiness, as in a little happy, somewhat happy, very happy, temporarily happy.
I like that last one best. Temporarily happy is probably what happiness is, a temporary state of well-being we all enjoy and strive to be in as often as we can. So can permanent happiness exist? Well, if it does, I haven’t experienced it.
And I have come to the point where I doubt it ever could. You could say I’ve given up, but you would be wrong.
Do We Have a Right to Happiness
Socrates was the first Westerner to argue happiness can be attained by effort.
The Dalai Lama once said:
“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.”
In other words, we are entitled to be happy, and we have a right to happiness. But do we?
Constitutional Perspectives on Happiness
In many nations, the concept of happiness is enshrined in legal frameworks, often as a right to pursue happiness rather than an explicit guarantee of happiness itself. For example, the United States Declaration of Independence famously states the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, this phrase does not translate into a constitutional right to happiness; rather, it emphasises the freedom to seek personal fulfillment and well-being.
The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention happiness, but various state constitutions do recognise the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental right. States like Virginia and Massachusetts have provisions that protect this within their legal frameworks.
Globally, several constitutions explicitly mention happiness or well-being as objectives of governance. For instance, Japan and South Korea include provisions related to the pursuit of happiness. This reflects a trend toward recognising happiness as a legitimate aim of public policy and governance.
Philosophical Considerations in Pursuing Contentment
The right to happiness has been debated by philosophers of ethics for centuries. Aristotle viewed happiness (or eudaimonia) as the ultimate goal of human life, closely tied to virtue and moral character. In this view, happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a state achieved through virtuous living and fulfilling one’s potential.
Socrates emphasised happiness is attainable through human effort and moral integrity. He argued true happiness arises from living justly and in harmony with one’s desires and with rational thought. This perspective suggests while we have no guaranteed right to happiness, we have the capacity to pursue it through action and choice.
Contemporary Discussions
In contemporary discussions, scholars argue about the implications of recognising a right to happiness. Some posit such recognition could encourage governments to implement policies aimed at enhancing citizens’ well-being. Others caution against interpreting “happiness” too broadly, as it encompasses subjective experiences that vary widely.
The empirical relationship between constitutional provisions regarding happiness and actual levels of citizen well-being remains an area for further research. Studies indicate democratic institutions, and economic freedoms are significant predictors of subjective well-being.
There is no universal or explicit right to happiness recognised in all legal systems. But many cultures and constitutions acknowledge happiness as an important aspect of human rights. Philosophically, the attainment of happiness can be linked to virtue and personal effort rather than guaranteed by external circumstances or laws.
Happiness is Elusive
If you find happiness difficult to grasp, try – content to be happy. If I say someone looks contented, I know exactly what I mean. However, I can’t be certain, when I say someone looks happy. But for simplicity, let’s stick with happy to tell the story.
I’m sure I’m not alone struggling to understanding happiness. And until you know what it really is it’s like the needle in the haystack. For people living in a constant state of anxiety, the feeling must be hell, so attaining an enjoyable state of happiness must be a desired goal.
Say you’ve had more than one spouse or a few serious relationships, as I have. None of them made me happy, even though I was often happy while I was with them. It wasn’t their job to make me happy, although they all said they wanted to, and I believed them.
Muddled Thinking about the Quest for Satisfaction
Years after partners had gone, died or moved on, I began to understand.
The following may appear to be muddled thinking because that’s exactly what it is.
When I was younger, I was seldom unwell, so I didn’t pay attention to detail in regard to diet. I was active and lucky enough to be vital and in good health most of the time. Happiness was totally a mind thing. Now I’m older I don’t see it that way.
I need to feel good, so my physical condition affects my happiness as equally as my state of mind. If my back aches, as it often does, particularly in the morning, then I am not happy until I loosen it. It doesn’t matter about my mind, as it doesn’t work in isolation. Everything is connected in some way, and I can’t find any degree of happiness until everything is in sync.
Maybe I expect too much, as I am never satisfied with a job half done.
The Happiness Responsibility
God only knows what the late partners thought. But when they weren’t there anymore, I realised it was not their responsibility to make me happy. I had no right to happiness, and no-one could make me happy. It was entirely up to me.
Did coming to that conclusion change anything? No; it was only a step, but as it turned out, in the right direction. I still hadn’t solved the conundrum in my search for happiness.
I was getting closer, but then I wondered if a lifetime would be long enough. I was in a hurry, even frantic, as I listed what made me happy. It was the longest list I’d ever written. Indeed, it was far too long.
I knew there and then that if I attempted all the things on the list, I would fail to achieve most of them. If the very thought made me dejected, what would it have been like if I had tried and failed? Lucky for me I didn’t try any of them, but I pondered on it for days before it hit me like a vision, a smack in the face.
I did the obvious. I should have done it in the first place. The reverse: Instead of a long page of things that made me happy, I wrote what made me unhappy. When I did, I got a shock, a monumental shock, as there was only one thing on the list: the connection to my confused state.
Worry
I looked at it for, I don’t know, must have been twenty minutes, maybe more. That’s right, just looked at it. There had to be be more. There must be something to worry about.
I sat there, but nothing came. Then, at last the moment that would guide me in my quest to discover there were only three things that defined the basis of the problem.
- Unnecessary possessions. I worried about things. Things like houses, cars, furniture, too much crockery, clothes (far more than I could ever wear), mobile devices that can do everything except make coffee, blenders, dishwashers, juicers, toasters, grillers, sandwich makers, coffee grinders, microwaves, and on and on. A library of unnecessities, too much to choose from.
- Money. I worried about security and having enough to live. But my lifestyle was up to me. I didn’t need much to live on. I had a pension and some cash. If I dealt with the first thing on my list I would have enough to stop worrying.
- Health. I worried about getting old and not having enough money to die in comfort. I know it sounds morbid, but we all have to face it at some point.
The Solution
My most valuable asset is curiosity. But my greatest achievement is learning to live well on very little. -James King
It took a while, but the solution was simple, as I addressed the 3 issues. I rid myself of everything I didn’t need and changed my lifestyle a little to fit my income. And I focussed on fitness and a healthier diet.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, I had eliminated my reason for unhappiness, WORRY. As a result, I am worry free and happier than I have ever been. Or should I say I am contented.
Finally, with more order and balance in my life, I abandoned my search for happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “The Search for Happiness – Revealing No Right to It” mean?
This phrase suggests that while people are constantly on a search for happiness, there is no inherent right to be happy. It challenges the notion that happiness is something we’re entitled to and instead proposes that it’s something we must actively pursue and choose. The idea is that happiness is not a constant state or a guaranteed outcome, but rather an active process that requires effort, self-reflection, and personal growth. This perspective encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being and to discover what truly brings them joy and satisfaction in life.
Why do people believe they have a right to happiness?
Many people believe they have a right to happiness due to various cultural, societal, and historical influences. This belief is often rooted in ideas promoted by philosophers, society, and even some governmental documents like the United States Declaration of Independence, which mentions the “pursuit of happiness” as an inalienable right. Additionally, modern consumer culture and social media often portray happiness as an easily attainable state, leading individuals to expect it as a given. However, this perspective can be problematic as it may lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when faced with life’s inevitable challenges.
How does the concept of “no right to happiness” affect mental health?
Understanding that there’s no inherent right to happiness can actually have positive effects on mental health. It can help reduce anxiety and pressure associated with the expectation of constant happiness. By accepting that happiness is not a default state, individuals may be more inclined to appreciate positive moments and work towards creating a balanced and fulfilled life. This perspective can also encourage people to develop resilience and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions, rather than viewing them as failures or abnormalities.
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