The Science of Happiness, Lesson 1 Introduction to Happiness

The Science of Happiness, Lesson 1

Introduction to Happiness

On the screen:

-          “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”, Aristotle

-          “happiness depends on ourselves”

-          “What is the ultimate purpose of human existence?”

-          We want money, cars, material goods because we think they will make us happy

-          Happiness is that which is always desirable in itself and never for something else

-          The Golden Mean

-          Eudaimonia versus Hedonia

-          Happiness pie chart, with two versions…continued further down

For millennia, thinkers, philosophers and ordinary people have wondered about the meaning of life and happiness. Aristotle came to the remarkable, crucial conclusion that happiness is the purpose of life. America’s founding fathers have enshrined the pursuit of happiness in their constitution, along with other fundamental rights (like perhaps the less inspired one of carrying guns).

Modern science confirms some of the insights of Aristotle, Seneca and other geniuses. What I find extraordinary in today’s world is the ability to find so much evidence that confirms the importance of happiness.

-          Happy people live longer, healthier lives

-          They are more successful in their private and professional lives

-          Extensive research proves how crucial it is to be optimistic, positive

Research and tests include the Duchenne smile vs fake smiles, the Notre Dame nuns and so many other studies that indicate happiness rules and its paramount role.

-          Longevity, smiles and baseball players

-          Smiling players lived longer

The happiest people have been studied and results show that they have a strong social support in common and not money

-          Happiest people and social support

-          Family, friends vs $$

You now have the ability, the instruments, the proofs that rules of happiness work and you only need to apply them…

-          “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” – Hamlet

In the following lessons we will get more details on what you can do to achieve not just happiness, but FLOW, peak experiences.