Let us now examine a person who has acquired all the necessary commodities we mentioned above. Is this person happy? By observation and experience, the answer is 'NO'! Why? Apparently something is still lacking. The lacking ingredient could be anything from inner turmoil, fear, disharmonious relationships in the family, in the work environment or in one's circle of friends, to unfulfilled, reasonable or far-fetched, ambitions of which there is no end. Further, agonizing and overworking for more money, success, social recognition, fame, power and influence, extraordinary fitness, etc., makes a person's mind and body weary and sips away happiness.
Indeed, human wants are endless! Hence we see people who apparently have everything one could wish for to indulge in illicit sex, gambling, narcotic or hallucinogen substances, all in the pursue of that elusive happiness... There are still others who offer themselves up for free brainwashing, use and exploitation by various "isms", whether political, religious or sportive, thus becoming fanatic followers -"sheep" for milking - of a religious movement, a political party, a soccer club, a guru, etc., driven always by the inherent need for happiness. All these activities are but escapism from man's age-old existential problems and a refusal to look within and try to establish harmony first in one's heart.
Where, then, lies true and lasting happiness? Religion advocates that true happiness lies in man's relationship with God, i.e., in obeying God's commandments, as specified by Scriptures. Priority is always given to man's harmonious relationships with fellow human beings. The Bible is full of such noble instructions. It is out of the scope of this article to list them here, although I would point the attention of the reader to Jesus' famous "Sermon on the Mount" and the Beatitudes, where the center of gravity is unconditional LOVE and forgiveness. Those are really the most effective recipes for happiness.
Another good guide to happiness can be found in the Proverbs of King Solomon, in the Old Testament. There we have been given clues about what wisdom is all about, what one's attitude towards money should be, how to deal with a fool or with a mocker, how to protect oneself from the tongue's snares, how to pacify one's anger, how to choose one's friends, how to treat one's parents, etc., etc. The Proverbs are indeed an invaluable source of wisdom that promotes happiness!
However, since not everybody believes in God, let alone in the same God, and since there are those who totally dismiss the Bible for the non-wholesome material that is also found there, societies must establish some universal code of ethics that promote unity and true happiness. Moreover, since religious people have lost credibility because of the inconsistency between words and actions, humanity is urgently in need of a Universal set of ethics, perhaps with no reference to God, religion or Scriptures. In any case, whether we refer to God or not, the spiritual essence of Deity is present in the core of every human being and testifies to the truth through man's conscience.
I would like to briefly refer to the Cynic philosophers' approach to happiness. The Cynics, in spite of their cynicism, were rather idealists. They maintained that people are inherently good, although they were usually disappointed by peoples' conduct. My favorite ancient Greek cynic, Diogenes of Sinope, advocated self-sufficiency, cultivating true and good character, avoiding vicious antagonism to outstrip one another, respecting nature and living naturally, not indulging in sensual pleasures, pursuing liberty in thinking and freedom from the unnatural conventions of society, and striving for right reason and self-restrain. Diogenes also despised and rejected all manner of religious superstition and practices, dream interpretation, witchcraft and divination, the arrogance of the wealthy, Dionysian performances, and demagoguery. I honestly cannot find something unreasonable in Diogenes' philosophy nor anything that contradicts Christian ethics.
One of Diogenes' witty answers that I like very much was given when he was asked which creature's bite is the worst. He allegedly said:
"Among the wild, a sycophant's, and among the tame a flatterer's."
And one of my favorite Proverbs of Solomon is this:
"Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4)
In conclusion, it appears that pursuing happiness presupposes the acquisition of wisdom - wisdom as to who we are, what is our true spiritual nature, how we deal with our own weaknesses and passions, and wisdom as to how to deal with fellow human beings and society.
Not an easy task, I must admit...
Unfortunately, as with all real values, neither wisdom nor happiness could be bought with money!
Maria Seferou was born in an agricultural family of Dendron, a small village of Peloponnese, Greece. She studied Civil/Structural Engineering at National Technical University of Athens and had a successful 20-year professional career both in Greece and in England. For the last 21 years she has been a writer of non-fiction books and articles on religious, philosophical, political and social issues.
Join Us
Fall Meeting October 30 -31 & Novermber 1 - 2 , 2010
We welcome anybody that wants to start a Withdraw Center or wants to join the Oregon Coastal Center. There are no dues, fees or costs.
We will be holding two identical Sessions this fall. One session on the weekend and one during the week. Both Sessions will be about our experiences with our Peaceful Preparer Center, our plans, our dreams, our fears, and brainstorming.
There is no charge for either Session if you provide your own lodging. If you want to stay at the meeting resort, the following is the pricing for Eagle Crest lodging.
We ARE NOT “back to landers.” We do not want the hardships of homestead. Instead, we like our comforts and are willing to prepare for them to continue. That is why we have picked the Eagle Crest Resort for our First Annual Fall Meeting. The Eagle Crest Resort has all the comforts you want in a resort. Just check the features of Eagle Crest Resort
If two people want to share a bedroom, then both can attend the Sessions with no additional fees. The bedrooms vary with king size beds, queen size beds and twin beds.
The early bird gets their choice.
Session # I - October 30 - 31, 2010 2 nights ($100/night*) - Starts on Friday night October 30 at 7 pm and last until 11 am on Sunday November 1, 2010.
Session #2 - November 1 - 2, 2010 - 2 nights ($100/night*) - This part starts on Sunday night and 7 pm and last until Wednesday at 11 am.
*Lodging Scholarships are available.
The above fees include lodging at the Eagle Crest at Redmond, Oregon (11 miles from Bend, Oregon)
