"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action."
Do you agree or disagree with this quote and please explain why. There are some thoughts/ideas lingering in my mind that cannot be solved unless I answer this question first. Please, I need to be enlightened.
2007-06-03 13:23:50 · 10 answers · asked by Just Me 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think that happiness requires action, although that action can be as small as what BabS suggests, reframing our perception of life events. If one starts each day dreading work and interaction with family and co-workers, then sure enough, those interactions are going to be negative. If, however, one starts each day full of wonder at the opportunities given and with an open mind regarding their interactions with others, then those interactions may appear to be more positive. Shakespeare says that nothing is but so, but thinking makes it so: if action can be broad enough to include thought and conscious effort, then yes, happiness requires action.
I've been married for 25 years and I have to say that my relationship with my spouse is much better when I expect it to be fabulous.
2007-06-04 10:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by chick2lit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, in a sense. It depends on what your definition of "happiness" is.
IF you mean optimism, I disagree. Optimism and having a light heart is a decision we make all the time. Harmony has nothing to do with action and everything to do with what the MEANINGS of our actions are, and our ABILITY to make good out of the bad actions.
IF you mean happiness is that incredible feeling, that EMOTION that courses through you like adrenaline, I agree. The only way to be happy is to have SOMEONE do SOMETHING. It could be some random person lending you a dollar, but that is action, and the result is happiness.
IF you mean happiness as the general opinion on life, it depends on the person. Sometimes, your opinions on life change WITH action. You could feel happy, like life is great, when you get a raise, but when your cat dies, your ideas on life change. Action can change this, but if you are like me and life is just one bundle of joy, then it only requires thought to make everything light up. Whether or not thought is an action is up to you.
Good night, God bless, I hope I made you think a little.
2007-06-03 20:40:45 · answer #2 · answered by ~S~ is for Stephanie! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, happiness *does* require action. It takes a lot of work to be & remain happy. Years ago, while in the midst of one of the darkest periods of my life, I found myself bemoaning all that was wrong. I decided from that point on, to focus on what was right or good in my life instead. I found that this seems to brighten every aspect of my life. Some days are better than others. Some days, I'm just thankful that I made it through.
Without making the conscious effort, I don't think I would be as happy as I am right now.
Hope this helps you out. : )
2007-06-03 20:31:44 · answer #3 · answered by Babs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Unhappiness is brought about by particular types or styles of thinking. When we stop thinking in these ways, unhappiness is replaced with happiness, contentment and joy.
Thinking of the past is a route to suffering.
Thinking negatively of the future is a route to suffering.
Thinking in a sorrowful way for others or for the self is a route to suffering.
We have choices in what we think about and how we think.
2007-06-03 21:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that happiness depends primarily on how you look at life. If you look at it in a positive way, you will be happy. If you look at it in a negative way, you will be miserable.
So not really any action, just a perspective.
2007-06-03 20:56:50 · answer #5 · answered by Jez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, happiness doesn't require action.
For many, the absence of action produces happiness.
2007-06-03 20:39:43 · answer #6 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No; happiness is a state of mind.
We've been married almost 37 yrs. and we've been both poor and rich. Throughout it all, our love for each other was constant.
Happiness has NOTHING to do with your financial situation, as long as you have the basics (food, shelter, clothing, etc.).
2007-06-03 20:27:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is like a fire...you need to keep adding firewood to get the heat.
2007-06-04 00:20:29 · answer #8 · answered by gusomar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are happy any time that you are not practicing judgment.
The moment that we start judging, we find something to be unhappy about.
2007-06-03 21:18:22 · answer #9 · answered by Simon says 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you can do nothing and be the happiest person alive but you can be the most impotent person alive but be the most miserable that is as far as i can help you
2007-06-03 21:12:38 · answer #10 · answered by Growth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋