On the Road to Happiness

2024-11-08 · Ho Chanh Nghia

Originally published on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/road-happiness-khanh-pham-ipckc/

On the Road to Happiness

As the duties are piling up and no one is helping, I find myself retreating to a happy place. A place where I find myself exploring the thoughts of dead men, and there are a few women figures in there.

PT Barnum mentioned in passing about the habits of finding pleasures. Miyamoto Musashi mentioned it as the second precept for a life well lived. Michael Sandel mentioned the nature of human to seek the higher pleasures vs the lower pleasures, once one discover what that higher pleasure is. Personally, I am not certain about that claim. I find myself seeking pleasure for both with equal furor. Probably the only causation that is consistently seen is the convenience factor.

Musashi, wanted to find pleasure that are lasting, maybe a lifetime worth of happiness. I could not figure out what that could be, so I asked Gemini for some help.

The Pursuit of Lasting Pleasures: A Philosophical Exploration

The distinction between “higher” and “lower” pleasures, a concept popularized by philosophers like John Stuart Mill, invites us to contemplate the nature of human happiness. While fleeting pleasures like intoxication may offer temporary gratification, it is the pursuit of enduring, meaningful experiences that ultimately leads to a fulfilling life.

Higher Pleasures: A Lifelong Pursuit

• Intellectual Pursuits: Engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading, writing, learning new skills, or philosophical inquiry. These pursuits not only provide immediate satisfaction but also contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.

• Creative Endeavors: Expressing oneself through art, music, or other creative outlets can be deeply fulfilling. The process of creation, the sharing of one’s work, and the positive impact it may have on others can bring lasting joy.

• Cultivating Relationships: Building strong, meaningful relationships with loved ones is a cornerstone of a happy life. Nurturing these connections through acts of kindness, empathy, and open communication can provide enduring happiness.

• Acts of Service: Helping others can bring a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending a helping hand can enrich one’s life and contribute to the well-being of others.

• Experiencing Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of awe and wonder. Activities such as hiking, camping, or gardening can provide lasting pleasure.

• Spiritual Practices: Engaging in practices like meditation, yoga, or prayer can promote inner peace, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

The Benefits of Higher Pleasures

Higher pleasures, unlike fleeting ones, offer a range of benefits:

• Intrinsic Value: They are rewarding in and of themselves, not dependent on external factors.
• Enduring Satisfaction: They provide lasting fulfillment, rather than temporary gratification.
• Personal Growth: They contribute to personal development and self-improvement.
• Positive Impact: They can benefit not only the individual but also society as a whole.
• Resilience: They can help individuals cope with adversity and build resilience.

While the pursuit of higher pleasures may require effort and discipline, the rewards are immeasurable. By prioritizing these activities, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Although I had asked for the longest answer possible, all I got back were 6 example of pleasures that could be long lasting. Warren Buffet would have said the wife is the best investment in his life, and it could be the best investment in your life. I would probably agree. That wife seem to touch on all the long lasting pleasures as well as the fleeting pleasures.

Michael Sandel at Harvard also touched on the discourse of happiness, and if we do seek out the higher over the lower pleasure.

Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do? Episode 02: “PUTTING A PRICE TAG ON LIFE”

04/24 - How to Measure Pleasure - J.S.MILLS -  HARVARD’s Michael Sandel’s JUSTICE

Higher and Lower Pleasures

For many years now, I have been unhappy. Unhappy at how ungrateful the USA had been towards its defenders who are essentially the immune system for a nation. Imagine if HIV exists as virus or cancer for society, causing the society to attack itself. How would the white blood cell, if it is attacked by the body. Clinically ill in many regards. Watching a genocide everyday is very much hanging on the side of a cliff, and getting worn out with nothing to look foward to except down.

Occasionally, I find refuge in the conversations of old. Much of what human does to each other is nothing new. The error of killing one’s neighbor to frolic his pretty wife has an ancient date, but it has never improved with age. The USA, is it is represented by the court and govenment, did exactly that to me. I do mean exactly that. The court assisted a neighbor in plotting my death with domestic violence, so he can acquire my wife. In the process have killed a father, and permanently damage the life and future of two children. On the macro scale, that is what a genocide is. Killing one’s neighbor to take his land, but on a grand scale. Supporting people being killed for their land, is almost like supporting myself. Few people can grasp that though, that helping victim of justice, is also the act of helping ourselves. When we understand that our society is the product of our actions, it will all make sense.

You want a society that causes family to be broken up and children lost their father, so that two irresponsible can elope to the kingdom of Hedonia. Then you promote that. If you want a society that permits the killing of neighbors to acquire their property, then you promote that. However; It would not be wise to think that you can live in that society, and not have to deal with the consequences of that society. I suspect this is how it is for many people who decided to promote homewrecker and genocide. That they can do this to others, but others can never do this to them. How would you go about convincing these culprit otherwise?

As for me, I have done all that was possible without carrying out my own genocide of the society which does this to me. I eagerly await the greater response as more of humanity are butchered and raped at scale. What will be for this society with these tendencies/habits. Will it be happy? or will it be Sad? Saad?