A radio show host was explaining that he feels any self-happiness comes at the expense of others. If he was happy, somebody else was unhappy. Winner/loser, etc. Your thoughts?
2007-02-22 02:01:51 · 14 answers · asked by Diesel Weasel 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't agree - happiness, I believe, comes from making others feel good and by sharing good things with others. Certainly in a contest or race there are winners and losers, but only those people who look on the negative side of life will feel unhappy just because they didn't win. Happiness is "shared" and comes from enjoying other peoples joy.
2007-02-22 02:10:57 · answer #1 · answered by zowar1363 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What could bring more happiness than bringing happiness to someone else? Imagine a child crying or a child laughing with delight. If you made the child laugh, you will be happy too.
When I am happiest, I tend to try to spread it around. A kind smile, a nice word to a stranger, an out of the blue compliment brings simple happiness to others, and at no expense to myself.
Radio talk show hosts often talk of nothing but nonsense. There is no way that making someone else unhappy will bring you happiness in the long run.
2007-02-22 02:59:46 · answer #2 · answered by aivilo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the humor. Stand-up comedians usually make one sect of people laugh by degrading another sect. So this would be a Winner/Loser happiness. There are other times when we have to laugh at ourselves or human folly in general. This is a case of win/win humor. And just general happiness (waking up in a good mood, seeing a sunset, etc.) is not a win/lose situation. So, like I said, I guess it is just depends on the humor.
2007-02-22 03:07:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I normally am happy when I see someone else get hurt. Not like a passing phase of being happy its more of a lastinf effect for the day.
Not all self-happyiness comes at the expense of others but I would say a majority of it does.
2007-02-22 02:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by deathfromace 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't agree at all. I am often happiest when other people are happy around me: having fun with friends, playing with my kids, etc. For me, happiness is often the result of feeling a shared bond with someone.
Happiness at the expense of others is called--please pardon my spelling--shaudenfreude. If this guy is only happy at the expense of others, he probably isn't a terrible nice guy to be around.
2007-02-22 02:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by momacita 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On some level this is true of everything in a general sense. Perhaps it is the fragile balance of the universe at work? It's all a give and take. Whether it's fate or perseverance on the individuals part, one persons gain is anothers loss.
2007-02-22 02:08:43 · answer #6 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically, I think it is. God asks us to look to Him, follow Him, and Him alone for true happiness. If we are doing that, then we are laying aside ALL earthly things, and that includes other people. With that said, if we are truly happy in Him, then we will ideally be able to make those around us happy anyway.
2007-02-22 02:53:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so at all.
Dali Lama said that the purpose of life is to be happy.
Depends on what makes you happy doesn't it; however, I could not be happy if I hurt another. If you didn't care, something is askew.
2007-02-22 03:19:43 · answer #8 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be so, but more often it is within oneself that the expense of happiness gets equal time.
2007-02-22 03:37:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always feel happy when I help someone else.
2007-02-22 02:04:37 · answer #10 · answered by leaptad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋