Is happiness really all it's cracked up to be?

By Aadya Gupta

3rd Year, BA Program (Philosophy+ Sociology)

Design: Ayushi Rani

Happiness is a very fuzzy term. I can't possibly think of one word for this feeling. Sometimes happiness is devouring your go-to cup noodles after a long day or finally sitting and reading that book on your bedside table that has been sitting there since God knows when. So, what is Happiness? Honestly, answers to this question vary like flavours of ice cream. You can inquire about the meaning of the term happiness, in which case, your inquiry is linguistic. Or you can ask about the thing "Happiness." Hence, we ask the same question again, "What is Happiness?".

According to various theories, happiness is of two types: Hedonistic and Eudaimonic. These terms can sound vague to someone reading them for the first time, but it is quite easy to understand them. Hedonism believes that only pleasure and pain matter. For Example, reading your favourite romance novel while thinking about a romantic incident is considered to cause pleasure. While stubbing a toe and thinking about someone's death causes you pain. Eudaimonia means 'good spirit' or the highest good for a human. For example, living in Delhi, you can feel the intense heat, especially for rickshaw drivers and delivery folks. That's why I always make sure to offer them water. Seeing how grateful they are when I ask feels incredibly rewarding and warms my heart.

I think actions that make you happy and are morally right, is what we call Eudaimonic. It's a different kind of happiness compared to just seeking pleasure, which is what hedonism is about. Hedonism says if something gives you pleasure, it's right (Well, it does sound tempting, doesn't it? I mean, who wouldn't love the idea of having ice cream for every meal?). But Eudaimonic happiness goes deeper. It says true happiness comes from doing things that not only feel good but also are the right things to do.

But even after knowing these extremely philosophical terms, one question that arises in my mind is "Why do I want to be Happy?". What's the big deal with chasing this happiness thing, anyway? After spending a lot of thought on this question, I have realised that a human being will always crave more and more. Like I would love to have a lifetime supply of my favourite cup noodles, so is happiness something that you want till the day you die? Happiness is subjective. My happiness isn't about firecrackers bursting in the background and a Bollywood soundtrack playing (although I wouldn't mind that dream coming true!), rather it is calm and slow, something that gives me the power of resilience to bounce back from any rut I am in.

I think it is 'Well-Being' that matters, which is usually confused with happiness, or the terms are used interchangeably. It is necessary to have a "getting your toe stubbed" moment in your life, because as Buddhism says, "Illness is regarded as an impetus for achieving the supreme objective of Buddhahood". This gives you a breather from all those self-help books you find in bookstores or everyone around constantly posting about how you need to be happy to live a good life. I mean there is nothing wrong with that, but it is also not possible for someone to stay happy all the time. You can't force yourself to be happy or joyful all the time—that's just not how life works! Embracing all emotions is key to living a good, happy life. Sadness is as important as happiness in this wild rollercoaster ride, we call life!

The movie "Inside Out 2" beautifully illustrates the necessity of all emotions through a captivating lens. The movie portrays Riley's self-image in two extreme halves: "I am a good person" in the first half and "I am not a good person" in the second half. These rigid views of herself had serious consequences, leading to panic attacks, losing her best friends, and missing out on making the hockey team. Both these notions are quite extreme, they are black and white. And that is where we humans go wrong, we tend to be perfect till the point where there is no room for improvement, thinking "Ah, behold true bliss! In this room, I reign as the epitome of intellect!". I mean it's great to channel your inner Rory Gilmore or Hermione Granger, but basing your happiness on such material things is not something that will work for you in the long run, accepting your true feelings is what is important. So, it's better to accept yourself the way you are, standing in that grey area between black and white because trust me you are not alone, open your eyes and you will see everyone standing there with you because No one is perfect. And it's okay to not be okay.

---