People try to conform to societal conventions of any particular segment they find themselves, instead of seeking out places where they would be happier. We are all unique. Why not build on one's talents and abilities? Do people not realize that not only is it the only way to be happy, but they are hiding a unique contribution they could make in the world?
2006-06-05 11:00:39 · 6 answers · asked by Greanwitch 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The people feel most sorry for are the women who believe they can't be happy or complete without a boyfriend - especially those who are in horrible relationships, who stay because they think they're nobody if they're alone. Egads!
2006-06-05 11:03:25 · answer #1 · answered by zartsmom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a valid theory that may apply to some people but it does not always hold true for everybody. Perhaps that is why everybody does not "realize' it the way you think they should.
Some people are quite happy conforming to societal expectations and very unhappy when they do not.
If everyone was true to himself, then the world would be full of egomaniacs that are selfish and inconsiderate and perhaps clash a lot more.
Conforming to society is a good way to lessen this type of turmoil. Confucius is famous for setting up sensible rules and conventions for people to abide by and respect and it helped his society to make it possible for more people to be happy. Before that it was the TIME OF THE WARRING STATES and there was chaos and confusion and pain for almost everybody. There were no rules and nobody to make rules or enforce them. Civilization requires rules and social expectations and people who respect them
What if you have a great talent for stealing property or breaking hearts or cheating at cards? Should you indulge wildly and reap the benefits of being "happy". Jeffrey Dommer was good at conning young men into his home then chopping them up and eating them. That is certainly UNIQUE, but do we want to foster it just because of that?
What you are advocating is ANARCHY and hedonism. One person's happiness is bought on the back of another persons unhappiness.
Aristotle thought no man could be truly happy unless he had some good slaves. Is that a good idea that everyone must "realize"?
Society must figure out good rules and then enforce them so everybody can have the pursuit of happiness and equal opportunity. The greatest good for the greatest number is part of that, but tempered by the rights of minorities too. That is what the USA constitution is, a set of rules and societal expectations. We need them and people need to respect them and stop trying to "be themselves' that is poppycock of the new ME generation.
2006-06-05 18:14:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is knowing Jesus, and being true to yourself, and others.
2006-06-05 18:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by concerned 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is at least half the story.
http://www.emjc3.com/helland.htm
2006-06-09 16:11:48 · answer #4 · answered by rapturefuture 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree and couldn't have said it better
2006-06-05 18:03:01 · answer #5 · answered by missy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AMEN SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-06-05 18:04:02 · answer #6 · answered by starodo1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋