2007-10-03 16:34:34 · 17 answers · asked by osunumberonefan 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Contentment is not hard to acquire. Just simply accept the things in life that you can't change, and be happy with what you have. It sounds like i am describing a person with no ambition, I once have, hven't totally given up, but i have reasons why I cant pursue things that would have made me happier-careerwise. I am happy seeing my children grow, and will help them pursue their careers-one thing i couldn't do for myself.
2007-10-03 16:51:21 · answer #1 · answered by oscar c 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Money won't buy happiness, but poverty can sure increase sadness.
If you say that having enough food, shelter, warmth, etc is a given in this question, meaning is the secret to a fulfilling life.
That's vague. I know, but for each person the meaning is different.
For some it is true love, others it's investing themselves in their children. Some people find meaning in their work, or strive to change the world. Some people save the whales, some people save the planet. Some people look to perfecting themselves physically or mentally. Everyone needs to find a meaning or they end up getting sucked into the "make money, spend money, make money, spend money, die" terminal equation.
Many people do lots of these things, but the point is to be able to look back in your 50's, 60's, 70's etc and ask what your life was worth. Then, hopefully, you will have a satisfying answer. If everyday you do something, even the smallest thing, to live a better life and make the world a better place, WHATEVER that means to you. Then you should never have a life without meaning and therefore always be able to find hapiness despite the standard ups and downs that are bound to come along the way.
2007-10-04 00:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by pippinstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happiness comes from a sense that you are fulfilling your purpose.
The nature of life (aka intrinsic purpose) is energy collection, procreation, and self defense.
Now money is symbolic energy. It helps you acquire real stuff like food and shelter. It helps you to find and support a mate, and it helps you defend yourself.
So anyone who told you that money isn't HUGE part of happiness, is lying.
But it IS true that you can't exactly buy happiness, because it isn't a thing sitting on a market shelf.
It is a feeling that comes from a sense that you are successful or succeeding.
Which means you must
A) Have or be in the process of getting something you desire. OR
B) Be doing or learning to do, something you think is worth doing
Happiness & Unhappiness both come from desire. They are the psycologic equivalent of pleasure and pain. It feels good to get what you want. It hurts when you don't.
Not really much of a secret, though it is kind of amazing how many don't get it.
2007-10-04 00:09:03 · answer #3 · answered by Phoenix Quill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, it's still money... with enough of it you can afford the kind of misery you like best.
sorry... I'll be serious now. I believe the secret to happiness lies in not taking life too seriously... it's not permanent. To be sure, the world is full of very serious issues, I can't " rage against a machine" I have absolutely no control of. I do what I can with my own little corner of the world. I find it most difficult to strike a balance between doing what I can to help others, and staying true to myself. I love to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. I refuse to engage gossips, I don't judge others. Learn the difference between a real and self made problem, take every opportunity to do something, or go somewhere different. With common sense intact, live life on your terms, not what anyone else's definition of what that might be.
Brigid
2007-10-04 00:05:27 · answer #4 · answered by Brigid 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that this varies for nearly everybody. Money in itself could not possibly make a rational and/or sane person happy. What is money but a bunch of paper or metal that man has assigned a worth too. Now what money can purchase may make it more comfortable to be miserable!
2007-10-03 23:47:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that simply and clearly that PEACE is the answer to a happy and fulfilling life. I want only to do God's Will and thus, I will obtain and retain such a "goal." Peace, Love and God Bless.
2007-10-04 02:53:39 · answer #6 · answered by In God We Trust 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
money may not make you happy, but lack of it will sure stress you out. I was fired last week,zip-a-dee-do-dah. I'm glad to be outta there!!
So i think doing something meaningful is the best way to be happy.thus the answer will be diffrent for everyone you ask.
things that make me happy right now:
my new pet fish, turtle
my kids, who are out of the house at the moment(it's so quiet)
knowing i'll be going to the beach on saturday
2007-10-03 23:49:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being homeless and with no money at all, and living in the wilderness. [ I apologize for being cheeky].
Money does make us happy, but I don't want to be too rich that I die from a heart attack, nor too poor that I die from starvation.
I like to just be happy living comfortably.
2007-10-04 00:06:07 · answer #8 · answered by birdtennis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask a homeless person, how happy and fulfilling their lives are.
2007-10-04 00:10:45 · answer #9 · answered by robink71668 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being content with what you do have.
Focusing on gratitude.
Giving without expectation.
Spending time in nature.
Meditation.
2007-10-03 23:46:30 · answer #10 · answered by magicalpossibilities 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋