While this industrialize happiness may have emerged with the Boomers, our children have made the pursuit of happiness an art form. HA! That phrase is writ large in the American Declaration of Independence. So, what did happiness mean for Tom Jefferson and the boys in comparison to what we seem to need so badly. Probably just being able to making a living by our own efforts without being manipulated to death by a government (of any kind). Meanwhile, I see even on Substack, countless posts about searching for happiness, how hard life is, how depressed, angry, offended, etc. To which is old Boomer wants to scream, "Oh get over yourselves, you narcissistic twits. Life has always been hard. In fact, it's been a helluva lot harder in the past than it is right now. Instead of dwelling on yourselves all the time, look around to see what other people may need and if you can fulfill or at least help them with it. There's lots to be done for others. Get on it and you'll soon realize you weren't that miserable after all."
Did I just fit into that mindfulness crowd you were writing about? Sorry, Alvaro. You know how testy I can get. Good article. It got me riled!
Hahaha, I really enjoyed reading your comment, Sue!
I see it as you do. The first thing is that happiness is not a universal goal, not everyone gets there by the same path. What may be the definition of happiness for some may not be for others. Also, as you say, life has always been more difficult, the lack of perspective makes us feel that we live very badly, but if you stop to think about it, almost everyone can say that they live better than their parents or grandparents with less effort and suffering.
Whoever seeks to be happy at all costs and every day will end up embittering their own existence. My grandparents did not ask themselves if they were happy and went on a spiritual retreat in Thailand. They lived a humble life, enjoyed the things that were available to them and were happy despite all that they suffered.
No one is happy all the time, and it is something they try to convince us is possible. No one is happy by having more and more possessions, but they try to convince us that having the latest model of everything is a symbol of living a full and successful life.
True, the consumer culture is based on the human need to "keep up with the Joneses" or show off their money in some ostentatious way. The "I'm better than thou" concept. I was inspired by a recent post by Sean Dietrich, who is currently walking The Camino with his wife. When the power went off, everyone on the trail was stymied. They couldn't use their cell phones or track the route to take. All very discombobulating for some. Sean reported, though, that the local villagers were taking it all in stride, hanging out in the streets, drinking wine and visiting with each other. This too shall pass. Now THAT to me is happiness ... or maybe some would call it contentment or resignation. Whatever, it's the wisdom of knowing that life goes on even if the world changes around us. (I just hope it wasn't sabotage of some sort.)
Hahahahahah, that's very true Sue, that day that the blackout happened in Spain I went out with my friends to play basketball and everyone was in the streets playing and enjoying the day.
Isn't it amazing how humans can survive and even thrive without electricity? Then again, we've been doing it for eons. Fire, though, ya gotta have fire. Otherwise all those chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers go to waste. (S'mores)
While this industrialize happiness may have emerged with the Boomers, our children have made the pursuit of happiness an art form. HA! That phrase is writ large in the American Declaration of Independence. So, what did happiness mean for Tom Jefferson and the boys in comparison to what we seem to need so badly. Probably just being able to making a living by our own efforts without being manipulated to death by a government (of any kind). Meanwhile, I see even on Substack, countless posts about searching for happiness, how hard life is, how depressed, angry, offended, etc. To which is old Boomer wants to scream, "Oh get over yourselves, you narcissistic twits. Life has always been hard. In fact, it's been a helluva lot harder in the past than it is right now. Instead of dwelling on yourselves all the time, look around to see what other people may need and if you can fulfill or at least help them with it. There's lots to be done for others. Get on it and you'll soon realize you weren't that miserable after all."
Did I just fit into that mindfulness crowd you were writing about? Sorry, Alvaro. You know how testy I can get. Good article. It got me riled!
Hahaha, I really enjoyed reading your comment, Sue!
I see it as you do. The first thing is that happiness is not a universal goal, not everyone gets there by the same path. What may be the definition of happiness for some may not be for others. Also, as you say, life has always been more difficult, the lack of perspective makes us feel that we live very badly, but if you stop to think about it, almost everyone can say that they live better than their parents or grandparents with less effort and suffering.
Whoever seeks to be happy at all costs and every day will end up embittering their own existence. My grandparents did not ask themselves if they were happy and went on a spiritual retreat in Thailand. They lived a humble life, enjoyed the things that were available to them and were happy despite all that they suffered.
No one is happy all the time, and it is something they try to convince us is possible. No one is happy by having more and more possessions, but they try to convince us that having the latest model of everything is a symbol of living a full and successful life.
It is the happycracy of the 21st century
True, the consumer culture is based on the human need to "keep up with the Joneses" or show off their money in some ostentatious way. The "I'm better than thou" concept. I was inspired by a recent post by Sean Dietrich, who is currently walking The Camino with his wife. When the power went off, everyone on the trail was stymied. They couldn't use their cell phones or track the route to take. All very discombobulating for some. Sean reported, though, that the local villagers were taking it all in stride, hanging out in the streets, drinking wine and visiting with each other. This too shall pass. Now THAT to me is happiness ... or maybe some would call it contentment or resignation. Whatever, it's the wisdom of knowing that life goes on even if the world changes around us. (I just hope it wasn't sabotage of some sort.)
Hahahahahah, that's very true Sue, that day that the blackout happened in Spain I went out with my friends to play basketball and everyone was in the streets playing and enjoying the day.
Isn't it amazing how humans can survive and even thrive without electricity? Then again, we've been doing it for eons. Fire, though, ya gotta have fire. Otherwise all those chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers go to waste. (S'mores)