What are words and definitions we use to define "happiness"? Which ones
are true and which are false? Please offer examples and sources you
come across. Won't this be
fantastic?
You can comment below and I will bring the comments up into this article. Or, even better, you can write an article of your own and we will submit it on this blog!
HAP'PINESS,
noun [from happy.] The agreeable
sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; that state of a
being in which his desires are gratified, by the enjoyment of pleasure
without pain; felicity; but
happiness usually expresses less than felicity, and felicity less than bliss.
happiness is comparative. To a person distressed with pain, relief from that pain affords happiness; in other cases we give the name
happiness to positive pleasure or an excitement of agreeable sensations.
happiness therefore admits of indefinite degrees of increase in enjoyment, or gratification of desires. Perfect
happiness or pleasure unalloyed with pain, is not attainable in this life. (Webster 1828 Dictionary)
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Terms/words: joy (
any others?)
Lisa Brower:
Other words I use to describe happiness: contentment, satisfaction, true peace, having and being enough.
Lisa, I love how these terms are all self-determined, resulting from taking affirmative ownership over situations around us and possible! It reminds me of Victor Frankl's "Man Search for Meaning": I believe all of these terms would fit into his philosophical outlook on life.
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Mary: I would like to start this discussion off by looking at a similar phrase: "the purpose of life." I think that as we define and refine our "purpose" behind what we do, it will affect or perhaps even determine our happiness.
This video which is intended to train Seminary teachers has opened my eyes to the power of purpose. On a basic level, our purpose in an activity affects everything. For example, last night when I was reading the rules of a game to play with my son, we started haggling over interpretation of the rules even before we started playing. As I lay in bed thinking about that example, I thought, "What is my purpose in playing the game with him?" Honestly, it was to win. Change that purpose to "to bond with my son, demonstrate good sportsmanship and learn strategy." All of a sudden, I find myself in a different mood when discussing the rules. It is not how I can use the rules to my advantage, but rather what understanding can we reach.
I wonder if a sense of unhappiness arises when our underlying purposes in life are selfish or prideful?
Definition of "PURPOSE" in 1828 dictionary
1. That which a person sets before himself as an
object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view
is directed in any plan, measure or exertion. We believe the Supreme
Being created intelligent beings for some benevolent and glorious
purpose and if so, how glorious and benevolent must be his
purpose
in the plan of redemption! The ambition of men is generally directed to
one of two purposes, or to both; the acquisition of wealth or of power.
We build houses for the
purpose of shelter; we labor for the
purpose of subsistence.
2. Intention; design. This sense, however, is hardly to be distinguished from the former; as
purpose always includes the end in view.
Every
purpose is established by counsel.
Proverbs 20:18.
Being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
Ephesians 1:11.
3. End; effect; consequence, good or bad. What good
purpose will this answer? We sometimes labor to no
purpose Men often employ their time, talents and money for very evil purposes.
