Big Think

Michael Kelly on November 28, 2007, 12:18 PM

Great insights! I think if we manufacture happy, there where is the motivation to do positive things? I do good things and put out positive energy into the world so I will be happy. If I can plug in my happy machine, where is the motivation?

Michael Kelly on November 28, 2007, 5:18 PM

Great insights! I think if we manufacture happy, there where is the motivation to do positive things? I do good things and put out positive energy into the world so I will be happy. If I can plug in my happy machine, where is the motivation?

Carl Hess on January 7, 2008, 4:22 PM

The question of whether or not we will want to use technologies that directly create a state of happiness is very interesting. On one hand, what is the purpose of being happy when that is all there is to experience? When there is no contrast? Yet, at the same time, will we care?

Carl Hess on January 7, 2008, 9:22 PM

The question of whether or not we will want to use technologies that directly create a state of happiness is very interesting. On one hand, what is the purpose of being happy when that is all there is to experience? When there is no contrast? Yet, at the same time, will we care?

Noah Yaffe on January 9, 2008, 10:57 AM

"Use technology to allow our brains to do the neuron dance."
We call those drugs. Do we venture into the Brave New World?
Or do we choose to experience life?

If there be a God, surely He would not endorse a mindless proposition.
If we just a product of chance, then why not? Assuming that the drug induced happiness is equal to and more consistent than the greatest bouts of happiness in "lived" life.

Interesting, no doubt.

Noah Yaffe on January 9, 2008, 3:57 PM

“Use technology to allow our brains to do the neuron dance.”
We call those drugs. Do we venture into the Brave New World?
Or do we choose to experience life?

If there be a God, surely He would not endorse a mindless proposition.
If we just a product of chance, then why not? Assuming that the drug induced happiness is equal to and more consistent than the greatest bouts of happiness in “lived” life.

Interesting, no doubt.

U00 1964 on January 10, 2008, 4:14 AM

Sense of happiness is just an illusion…as everything else in life.

U00 1964 on January 10, 2008, 9:14 AM

Sense of happiness is just an illusion…as everything else in life.

andreas boehm on January 12, 2008, 5:03 AM

the problem with artificail happiness is just that- artificial. sure, there are potential benifits for those with depression, but if we stoop so low as to finding happiness in the easiest manner possible, what becomes of concept, that true happiness comes from generating happiness?

andreas boehm on January 12, 2008, 10:03 AM

the problem with artificail happiness is just that- artificial. sure, there are potential benifits for those with depression, but if we stoop so low as to finding happiness in the easiest manner possible, what becomes of concept, that true happiness comes from generating happiness?

Shelley Sargent on January 12, 2008, 12:08 PM

I personally feel that Hapiness is a choice that we make. You can choose to brood and be angry over something, or to find the brighter side and be happy with what other things you have in your life.

That said, Its harder than it sounds………

Shelley Sargent on January 12, 2008, 5:08 PM

I personally feel that Hapiness is a choice that we make. You can choose to brood and be angry over something, or to find the brighter side and be happy with what other things you have in your life.
That said, Its harder than it sounds………

mary batella on January 13, 2008, 12:09 AM

always thought that happiness, by definition, is a temporary state of mind. Or are we talking about a sense of well being? Two different subjects, I think

mary batella on January 13, 2008, 5:09 AM

always thought that happiness, by definition, is a temporary state of mind. Or are we talking about a sense of well being? Two different subjects, I think

Helen Giannaris on January 13, 2008, 5:45 AM

I beleive happiness is not a permanant state of being. We cannot say from now on I will be happy because I achieved this or succeeded in that…there are just happy MOMENTS in life…besides this humans are unsatisfiable beings…even if we think we have reach total happiness in the current moment we will still wish of more…the situation can constantly get better…so we will not be satisfied…or happy…

Helen Giannaris on January 13, 2008, 10:45 AM

Julian H on January 15, 2008, 7:40 PM

The observation that happiness is a motivator to do good in the world needs to be placed in the context of the present world in which we live. Judging by the amount of human induced suffering and apathy, it is obviously insufficient for a great number of people. Those of you who have smoked a joint, on the other hand, will be aware of the fact that the happiness that results inhibits any sense of ill will towards your fellow men and women, and often inspires a warm feeling of camaraderie towards them. When was the last time anyone depicted a pot smoking Hippy as being either grumpy or cruel? There is no reason to think that drugs that engender happiness will necessarily decrease charitability below its already dreary levels.

Mohammed Battla on January 15, 2008, 8:59 PM

Happiness is directly connected to the time you are in your life. Some things that made me happy at 20 dont make me happy at 30. So to link happiness to the future is not true in many ways. I think we are conditioned by society to think that to prepare for the future will make us happy.

Adam Sagel on January 15, 2008, 10:57 PM

In all things there must be balance. Empty, manufactured happiness without the balance of occasional sorrow that real life provides is just that…empty.

Julian H on January 16, 2008, 12:40 AM

The observation that happiness is a motivator to do good in the world needs to be placed in the context of the present world in which we live. Judging by the amount of human induced suffering and apathy, it is obviously insufficient for a great number of people. Those of you who have smoked a joint, on the other hand, will be aware of the fact that the happiness that results inhibits any sense of ill will towards your fellow men and women, and often inspires a warm feeling of camaraderie towards them. When was the last time anyone depicted a pot smoking Hippy as being either grumpy or cruel? There is no reason to think that drugs that engender happiness will necessarily decrease charitability below its already dreary levels.

Mohammed Battla on January 16, 2008, 1:59 AM

Adam Sagel on January 16, 2008, 3:57 AM

In all things there must be balance. Empty, manufactured happiness without the balance of occasional sorrow that real life provides is just that…empty.

Ben Fletcher on January 16, 2008, 9:12 AM

can a person always be happy? i dont think this is possible. however, can a person be full of joy consistently? i believe they can.

Ben Fletcher on January 16, 2008, 2:12 PM

can a person always be happy? i dont think this is possible. however, can a person be full of joy consistently? i believe they can.

Mitchell Burkett on January 16, 2008, 5:00 PM

Life is up to the liver to decide. Let things make you sad, happy, or whatever you want. Happiness shouldent be acheived or even sought after through drug, but a conscience decision learned from the bad and good to work towards a better life.

Mitchell Burkett on January 16, 2008, 5:20 PM

Life is determined by the liver. Happiness should not be determined or sought after through drugs. Let things make you happy, sad, or whatever, embrace life however you want.

Mitchell Burkett on January 16, 2008, 10:00 PM

Life is up to the liver to decide. Let things make you sad, happy, or whatever you want. Happiness shouldent be acheived or even sought after through drug, but a conscience decision learned from the bad and good to work towards a better life.

Mitchell Burkett on January 16, 2008, 10:20 PM

Life is determined by the liver. Happiness should not be determined or sought after through drugs. Let things make you happy, sad, or whatever, embrace life however you want.

Denise Lesko on January 18, 2008, 8:03 AM

If a person wants to attain true happiness all through their life, no matter what situations arise, they have to start with centering themselves and looking within for peace and appreciation for their life in general. You have to get to the very core of your own being and that begins with gratitude for every breath you take. You will then create the world you want, because you will always be in a place of satisfaction and peace. Everyone needs to read the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching. It is enlightening to say the least.

Denise Lesko on January 18, 2008, 1:03 PM

If a person wants to attain true happiness all through their life, no matter what situations arise, they have to start with centering themselves and looking within for peace and appreciation for their life in general. You have to get to the very core of your own being and that begins with gratitude for every breath you take. You will then create the world you want, because you will always be in a place of satisfaction and peace. Everyone needs to read the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching. It is enlightening to say the least.

Sudhagar T on January 18, 2008, 1:34 PM

The following poem gives the essence of a mature thinking expressed in Tamil(Language in south India)literature:
"To us all towns are one, all men our kin.
Life's good comes not from others' gift, nor ill
Man's pains and pains' relief are from within.
Death's no new thing; nor do our bosoms thrill
When Joyous life seems like a luscious draught.
When grieved, we patient suffer; for, we deem
This much – praised life of ours a fragile raft
Borne down the waters of some mountain stream
That o'er huge boulders roaring seeks the plain
Tho' storms with lightnings' flash from darken'd skies
Descend, the raft goes on as fates ordain.
Thus have we seen in visions of the wise ! -
We marvel not at greatness of the great;
Still less despise we men of low estate."

Kanniyan Poongundran in Purananuru,
Poem 192 – written in Tamil 2500 years ago
English Translation by Rev. G.U.Pope
in Tamil Heroic Poems

Vlad Fridkin on January 18, 2008, 1:58 PM

Clearly, a happy pill would lead to making the times when not on the pill more unhappy. As a pill is an individual device, it would therefore make the community a less happy place. The only net difference would be in the profits of the company making the pill, however, this would not necessarily make the company bosses happy either, as there is a negative correlation between money and happiness.

Sudhagar T on January 18, 2008, 6:34 PM

The following poem gives the essence of a mature thinking expressed in Tamil(Language in south India)literature:
“To us all towns are one, all men our kin.
Life’s good comes not from others’ gift, nor ill
Man’s pains and pains’ relief are from within.
Death’s no new thing; nor do our bosoms thrill
When Joyous life seems like a luscious draught.
When grieved, we patient suffer; for, we deem
This much – praised life of ours a fragile raft
Borne down the waters of some mountain stream
That o’er huge boulders roaring seeks the plain
Tho’ storms with lightnings’ flash from darken’d skies
Descend, the raft goes on as fates ordain.
Thus have we seen in visions of the wise ! -
We marvel not at greatness of the great;
Still less despise we men of low estate.”

Kanniyan Poongundran in Purananuru,
Poem 192 – written in Tamil 2500 years ago
English Translation by Rev. G.U.Pope
in Tamil Heroic Poems

Vlad Fridkin on January 18, 2008, 6:58 PM

Clearly, a happy pill would lead to making the times when not on the pill more unhappy. As a pill is an individual device, it would therefore make the community a less happy place. The only net difference would be in the profits of the company making the pill, however, this would not necessarily make the company bosses happy either, as there is a negative correlation between money and happiness.

jessica baker on January 19, 2008, 9:18 PM

I believe happiness is a state of mind and emotion, everyones happiness can be at a different level.
happiness is perfered to a state of happiness and well being this is perfered a good way to live..

stephanie ranny on January 19, 2008, 9:22 PM

i think that life is what u make of it
if u WANT to be unhappy then u will be …
if u think that everything is bad then it surely will be
but if u think that everything that may be getting u down isnt that bad than u are able to keep ur happy state of mind

it doesnt take a pill, drugs alcahol or anything to make u happy

happiness is a state of mind that you yourself put yourself in

u CAN stay happy forever if u want to

u CAN be depressed all the time aswell
its just based on the way u think about life and yourself

they are my ideas on happiness

jessica baker on January 20, 2008, 2:18 AM

I believe happiness is a state of mind and emotion, everyones happiness can be at a different level.
happiness is perfered to a state of happiness and well being this is perfered a good way to live..

stephanie ranny on January 20, 2008, 2:22 AM

i think that life is what u make of it
if u WANT to be unhappy then u will be …
if u think that everything is bad then it surely will be
but if u think that everything that may be getting u down isnt that bad than u are able to keep ur happy state of mind

it doesnt take a pill, drugs alcahol or anything to make u happy

happiness is a state of mind that you yourself put yourself in

u CAN stay happy forever if u want to

u CAN be depressed all the time aswell
its just based on the way u think about life and yourself

they are my ideas on happiness

scott conway on January 20, 2008, 11:35 AM

facinating.

scott conway on January 20, 2008, 4:35 PM

facinating.

Chris Rieth on January 21, 2008, 1:44 AM

I have trouble with the idea of choosing that which makes me most happy in a particular moment. I think that what makes me most happy is that which helps me grow in one way or the other. That usually means in a moment of choice choosing against what would make me most happy at that time such as going for a run rather than hanging out with a friend. I think happiness is the only reason to live but it's short-lived if we only look towards each individual choice that would make us happy. One needs a whole system for their decision making to make oneself continually happy.

Chris Rieth on January 21, 2008, 6:44 AM

I have trouble with the idea of choosing that which makes me most happy in a particular moment. I think that what makes me most happy is that which helps me grow in one way or the other. That usually means in a moment of choice choosing against what would make me most happy at that time such as going for a run rather than hanging out with a friend. I think happiness is the only reason to live but it’s short-lived if we only look towards each individual choice that would make us happy. One needs a whole system for their decision making to make oneself continually happy.

Lori K on January 21, 2008, 5:18 PM

I think happiness is about hope. When we have faith/hope that the future is going to be happy then we feel happy in the present. When we have reason to believe the future is not going to be happy then it is hard to feel happy in the present.

Kristen McNeil on January 21, 2008, 5:36 PM

He puts up a very good argument because he backs up his ideas and thoughts with evidence on how the human mind really does work. People know that we make decisions every day, but Mr. Gilbert actually thinks about why our brains make these decisions and how our brains sort the good decisions from the bad. His theories have plenty of facts for support, and you can tell that he has studied up on this subject matter for a long time. I agree with everything that he has to say about how we make ourselves happy.

Lori K on January 21, 2008, 10:18 PM

I think happiness is about hope. When we have faith/hope that the future is going to be happy then we feel happy in the present. When we have reason to believe the future is not going to be happy then it is hard to feel happy in the present.

Kristen McNeil on January 21, 2008, 10:36 PM

He puts up a very good argument because he backs up his ideas and thoughts with evidence on how the human mind really does work. People know that we make decisions every day, but Mr. Gilbert actually thinks about why our brains make these decisions and how our brains sort the good decisions from the bad. His theories have plenty of facts for support, and you can tell that he has studied up on this subject matter for a long time. I agree with everything that he has to say about how we make ourselves happy.

jessica stallone on January 23, 2008, 11:38 AM

I agree with this completely. Those that say that happiness is a state of mind and you make situations a pleasant one or unpleasant one, perhapse you have forgotten about those that live in place like Burma, Rwanda, or Darfur. It's hard to be happy when life around you seems deminished. Happiness can be found in people that love and need you.

jessica stallone on January 23, 2008, 4:38 PM

I agree with this completely. Those that say that happiness is a state of mind and you make situations a pleasant one or unpleasant one, perhapse you have forgotten about those that live in place like Burma, Rwanda, or Darfur. It’s hard to be happy when life around you seems deminished. Happiness can be found in people that love and need you.

jesus fuentes on January 27, 2008, 1:16 PM

What a lot of crap!
How can anyone tell or"predict"how we can be happy?
Happiness cannot be rationalized that way,it is an exercise of mental masturbation that ends nowhere.
Wow!!this is what is being taught at Harvard!!?

jesus fuentes on January 27, 2008, 6:16 PM

What a lot of crap!
How can anyone tell or"predict"how we can be happy?
Happiness cannot be rationalized that way,it is an exercise of mental masturbation that ends nowhere.
Wow!!this is what is being taught at Harvard!!?

Mansour Hadidi on January 28, 2008, 10:03 AM

I think happiness is a natural phenomenon. It is a big mistake to create it superficially. I'd rather look into the sources of unhappiness and resolve those. Of course, one can not expect to be happy all the time (in that case happiness looses its meaning). But I mean chronic unhappiness probably have some real sources. Many times those are unrealistic expectations. I heard a story that they were looking all over the place to find the happiest person on earth. When they found him, he was a darvish who had no belonging and had no expectation in life!

Mansour Hadidi on January 28, 2008, 3:03 PM

I think happiness is a natural phenomenon. It is a big mistake to create it superficially. I’d rather look into the sources of unhappiness and resolve those. Of course, one can not expect to be happy all the time (in that case happiness looses its meaning). But I mean chronic unhappiness probably have some real sources. Many times those are unrealistic expectations. I heard a story that they were looking all over the place to find the happiest person on earth. When they found him, he was a darvish who had no belonging and had no expectation in life!

Valerie Hunter on January 29, 2008, 3:37 PM

I tend to agree with the Buddhist (though it's likely elsewhere) notion of happiness as absence of suffering. Circumstances around us change and have an impact on us, there may be pain, but dealing with our subconscious, we choose whether and how much we suffer. Under these terms, I'm not entirely sure about forecasting what may make someone happy, but considering the natural psychological tendencies we have, it does make some sense and could contribute to more preventative maintenance of our mental health. Interesting stuff.

Valerie Hunter on January 29, 2008, 8:37 PM

I tend to agree with the Buddhist (though it’s likely elsewhere) notion of happiness as absence of suffering. Circumstances around us change and have an impact on us, there may be pain, but dealing with our subconscious, we choose whether and how much we suffer. Under these terms, I’m not entirely sure about forecasting what may make someone happy, but considering the natural psychological tendencies we have, it does make some sense and could contribute to more preventative maintenance of our mental health. Interesting stuff.

K Whipple on February 7, 2008, 12:24 PM

Wow — break out the Soma.
What if happiness is really the absence of unhappiness? Wwhat is so wrong with just being content with our place in this world?

K Whipple on February 7, 2008, 5:24 PM

Wow — break out the Soma.
What if happiness is really the absence of unhappiness? Wwhat is so wrong with just being content with our place in this world?

Marcus Cimino on February 16, 2008, 6:56 PM

when he discussed his "spouse" he got a 'leeetle' specific if you ask me lol.

Marcus Cimino on February 16, 2008, 11:56 PM

when he discussed his “spouse” he got a ‘leeetle’ specific if you ask me lol.

city air on March 2, 2008, 10:27 AM

I feel happy after I achieve something or after I overcome a pain that usual people can't overcome.
Happiness, to me, is an achievement.

city air on March 2, 2008, 3:27 PM

I feel happy after I achieve something or after I overcome a pain that usual people can’t overcome.
Happiness, to me, is an achievement.

Arthur Himmelman on March 13, 2008, 6:51 PM

Happiness is the time between unhappiness. When it is present in your life, say thank you and enjoy it while it lasts.

Arthur Himmelman on March 13, 2008, 10:51 PM

Happiness is the time between unhappiness. When it is present in your life, say thank you and enjoy it while it lasts.

Tracie Holladay on March 14, 2008, 7:11 PM

RE: Losing a spouse…

Ooooh Kaaay. Tell that to Queen Victoria, who lived in black mourning clothing every day since the loss of her beloved Albert.

Tracie Holladay on March 14, 2008, 11:11 PM

RE: Losing a spouse…

Ooooh Kaaay. Tell that to Queen Victoria, who lived in black mourning clothing every day since the loss of her beloved Albert.

thomas Bentley on March 19, 2008, 1:32 PM

The it seems many of the critics to this point of view are basing their arguments on case studies. example: Queen Victoria.

I'm guessing that this person puts too much stock in their relationships and needs to either be single for a while or read more books Maslow's Hierarchy.

As far as mental masturbation goes. It's obvious that some of haven't been to Harvard.

thomas Bentley on March 19, 2008, 5:32 PM

The it seems many of the critics to this point of view are basing their arguments on case studies. example: Queen Victoria.

I’m guessing that this person puts too much stock in their relationships and needs to either be single for a while or read more books Maslow’s Hierarchy.

As far as mental masturbation goes. It’s obvious that some of haven’t been to Harvard.

Josie C on March 23, 2008, 3:35 PM

This is the best explanation of happiness I've ever heard with one caveat. I'm not sure I agree with the part about our brain selecting the most positive view or situation. It sounds like we constantly kid ourselves over and over. Like we trick ourselves in order to feel better.

Josie C on March 23, 2008, 7:35 PM

This is the best explanation of happiness I’ve ever heard with one caveat. I’m not sure I agree with the part about our brain selecting the most positive view or situation. It sounds like we constantly kid ourselves over and over. Like we trick ourselves in order to feel better.

Sofia Kanan on March 29, 2008, 6:37 PM

Happiness, I believe involves discipline and commitment. One does not choose to be happy or not, but we all choose to behave in ways that will bring eventually, long term benefits for our well-being. When we don´t, we try to get back on track. Repeating inadequate patterns of conduct only lead to destruction (even if they momentarily produce "satisfaction")

Sofia Kanan on March 29, 2008, 10:37 PM

Happiness, I believe involves discipline and commitment. One does not choose to be happy or not, but we all choose to behave in ways that will bring eventually, long term benefits for our well-being. When we don

Joe Glass on March 31, 2008, 10:43 PM

It’s hard to change what the human brain is desined to do, but theoreticly possibal, no? Can someone be happy without happiness?
Or can they change the way their brain responds to what would normaly make one happy inorder to create a truely unique
personality?

Can the human brain addapt so well that achieving happiness doesn’t require normal triggers?

John Clark on April 8, 2008, 7:15 PM

Wow…now this is intersting. But..is it real? By that, I mean, is what Dan is saying relevant or bizarre. Digression: Are you as frustrated as I am about the difficulty in typing one's response?!

To the point, Dan has created his own little world…his own concept…consequently, whatever he says 'goes.' In today's world, when you do that, you have arrived!

John Clark on April 8, 2008, 11:15 PM

Wow…now this is intersting. But..is it real? By that, I mean, is what Dan is saying relevant or bizarre. Digression: Are you as frustrated as I am about the difficulty in typing one’s response?!

To the point, Dan has created his own little world…his own concept…consequently, whatever he says ‘goes.’ In today’s world, when you do that, you have arrived!

Isabel M on April 17, 2008, 1:09 PM

well, happiness can be a number of different things. But i think it is just many a feeling of completion, achievement and understanding that all is well. Happiness is hard to describe though, because it isn't an object.

Isabel M on April 17, 2008, 5:09 PM

well, happiness can be a number of different things. But i think it is just many a feeling of completion, achievement and understanding that all is well. Happiness is hard to describe though, because it isn’t an object.

Michael Harmon on April 17, 2008, 5:58 PM

Me, I think that happiness is a state of mind that we don't have enough words for. Words are rational symbols and as such language is reason-biased. Happiness is very emotionally involved and feeling-based. Any highly rational depiction of the mechanics of happiness tends to address a restricted aspect of the process. This is what I see in Dan's Video above.

As the emotional objective for a million different rational life strategies, I imagine that finding happiness is very different from one person to the next. The state of mind may be the same, defining what makes each of us happy is difficult because we don't have the language that describes how many insanely different ways there are to feel like what we are satisfying some neuro-biological survival imperative.

Happiness for a child is different from an adult, for a woman different than a man, for a athlete different than an accountant, for an ambitious person different than a couch potato. To generalize requires addressing a purely emotional state and how it might differ from the various strategies of arriving at that state.

The Sam Harris video on the nature of the emotional state that is broadly perceived as happiness is remarkably applicable for a very wide range of human circumstances.

http://www.bigthink.com/love-happiness/6508

Michael Harmon on April 17, 2008, 9:58 PM

Me, I think that happiness is a state of mind that we don’t have enough words for. Words are rational symbols and as such language is reason-biased. Happiness is very emotionally involved and feeling-based. Any highly rational depiction of the mechanics of happiness tends to address a restricted aspect of the process. This is what I see in Dan’s Video above.

As the emotional objective for a million different rational life strategies, I imagine that finding happiness is very different from one person to the next. The state of mind may be the same, defining what makes each of us happy is difficult because we don’t have the language that describes how many insanely different ways there are to feel like what we are satisfying some neuro-biological survival imperative.

Happiness for a child is different from an adult, for a woman different than a man, for a athlete different than an accountant, for an ambitious person different than a couch potato. To generalize requires addressing a purely emotional state and how it might differ from the various strategies of arriving at that state.

The Sam Harris video on the nature of the emotional state that is broadly perceived as happiness is remarkably applicable for a very wide range of human circumstances.

http://www.bigthink.com/love-happiness/6508

S Menon on July 18, 2008, 8:20 AM

A lot has been said about happiness, but very little is said about the love connection and its impact on happiness.In contemporary society, with nuclear lifestyles issues of 'falling in love', and forming that connection is an everyday issue for many particularly when it involves surmounting layers of social norms amd restrictions.

S Menon on July 18, 2008, 12:20 PM

A lot has been said about happiness, but very little is said about the love connection and its impact on happiness.In contemporary society, with nuclear lifestyles issues of ‘falling in love’, and forming that connection is an everyday issue for many particularly when it involves surmounting layers of social norms amd restrictions.

Adam Surguine on March 18, 2009, 4:09 PM

Many people look for happiness through possessions and wealth. While these things are nice, and they do bring temporary satisfaction, they are not the means for happiness. Over time, the satisfaction from these things will dwindle, and the person will keep wanting more. True happiness if found in Jesus Christ. When you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nothing else matters. Even when it seems that the whole world is against you, you can still have true happiness because the Lord is on your side. Every day, I see many people continually wanting more and more, and claiming that it will make them happy. However, if they get the possessions that they believe will make them happy, after a while, it feels like those possessions don’t even matter anymore. Christians need to take initiative and explain to people the power of Jesus Christ, and how they can have true happiness by seeking Him.

Sam Wilson on April 15, 2009, 9:20 AM

I agree with the idea presented that in pursuing happiness we do many things to increase the number of friends/family we have. This explains for me why so many of my friends (and I) are drawn to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc.

John Hammonds on April 17, 2009, 2:21 AM

I think that happiness is a choice. As the video says on technology affection neurons, people usually think an external experience makes us happy, I think that perhaps we are just choosing how to feel about the events.

harry thomson on June 10, 2009, 4:26 AM

Happiness is something we cannot buy or trade. We are human allow to choose to live happily or badly. The choice is always open.

peri david on September 9, 2009, 2:11 AM

Happiness for me comes from the heart. Pure happiness is felt when someone is able to achieve his dreams and aspirations.

Patricia Ryans on October 12, 2009, 11:44 PM

Hey Michael,

I agree and also disagree with your point. Given a choice, if there is indeed a machine that can make me happy, and if it is affordable to me, I would surely buy it. I love “shortcuts”. But on the other hand, it is also true that if such a machine has not been invented yet, there must be some reason: maybe it is not possible to sustain happiness with a gadget! Then again, who knows what the future holds for us? Anyway, interesting perspectives ;)

Martha Jones on October 28, 2009, 11:14 AM

Well, if technology helps keep people happy, and if the gadget makes money for the manufacturer, then I see nothing wrong with it! I mean, come on, we already have antidepressants that are “supposed” to do the same thing, but in the end most of them work the opposite way. So it does not hurt to try this new kid on the block; who knows, it may as well prove to be much more effective and less harmful than antidepressants!

Gord Groat on December 16, 2009, 10:02 PM

Happiness is part of the cognitive process of the mind, and not directly a result of our environment or the myriad of social precepts guiding human behavior . A serial killer could be quite gleeful as he dismembers a victim.

Happiness is an emotional reward for achieving a positive rationalization when presented with stimuli. The more thoroughly we integrate the new stimuli with our existing matrix of blissful cognition, the happier we will be. Drugs no more improve our state of happiness than masturbation continues our species. Drugs stroke neurons but don’t produce results in a normative state.

I feel the deeper question is “What fosters clarity of thought?” Is each individual physiologically predestined to respond according to the characteristics of their particular mind, or are our minds shaped by thought? Are we receivers or are we receptacles, or is the distinction just another artificial construct designed to answer the questions we created so we can sleep at night?