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Steven Baker

Mr. Shields

Humanities 1010, 1st Period

March 5th, 2019

Response Journal

Happiness for everyone is different. As a patriotic American I find that everyone has their

own individual definition of happiness and how to live a good life. An example of this is how the

three quotes at the beginning of the introduction by Blaise Pascal, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and

Abraham Maslow all say in one matter or another how happiness comes in variations.. These

variations are conducted from beliefs, ideals, lifestyles, and values. This wisdom of awareness is

even stated in the introduction as “Happiness and the Good Life, explores some of the

fundamental conceptions of happiness formulated by thinkers through the ages and across

cultures.” Showing again how happiness varies from culture to culture and person to person.

The one quote that made me laugh was by Abraham Maslow who said, “What does

‘happy’ mean? Happiness is not a state like Vermont.” This simple yet powerful sentence

demonstrates that not all of life will be about happiness exposing it will elude us at times.

Some fundamental questions raised in the first reading by Robert C. Solomon is if “a

happy life is always meaningful? and a meaningful life always happy?” Some of the most

influential figures of history or art weren't happy people, but who’s actions helped create

happiness for others. Examples of this can be Edgar Allan Poe, Abraham Lincoln, and Isaac

Newton who all struggled with different forms of depression, but who’s contributions on the

world should’ve been more than enough to make them feel happy. Some of these figures went to
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their graves before ever being praised as influencers, and some weren’t valued in the first place.

It is only in hindsight we are able to recognize these people as pioneers of history, and as sadly

as Solomon states within his writing “we might applaud such a life as meaningful but

nevertheless recognize that the person was not happy.”

“Live simply so that others may simply live.” This quote from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is

a reminder that we as humans must try not to make life difficult for anyone. In this regard we can

explore the idea of an individual happiness compared to that of happiness found within the

majority. A key section of the introduction highlights this with the Declaration of Independence

,and how if the government is responsible for the overall happiness of its nation. Anthony

Kennedy, a Supreme Court Justice, would say that for the creators of the Declaration, “happiness

meant that feeling of self-worth and dignity you acquire by contributing to your community and

its civic life.” Meaning that, in his beliefs, the founders considered happiness through

contribution to society. In the years prior and after 1776 I think many historians would agree

with this notion as it both encouraged the colonies to fight against Great Britain, and help them

discover their own personal identification as a nation. However, another stance can be

approached by conservatives as the founding fathers relate to modern day ideals of happiness in

which, “the founders intended that the government was set up to solely create the conditions for

people to ​pursue​ happiness, mostly by staying out of the way.” This becoming another valid

argument as to what the founders philosophical perceptions were at their time for happiness.

Ultimately its the individual to decide which stance seems correct, and if government should

focus on the role of happiness for its citizens.

Other questions raised by the introduction and first reading alone are complex. Requiring
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thought and time to analyze how people perceive happiness to better their lives. My personal

happiness and beliefs won't be enough to truly grasp this concept, but hopefully by the end of

this unit the knowledge taught will allow a deeper reflection of what happiness can be. Hopefully

this unit will also provide new ways to implement forms of happiness within my own personal

life.

As of currently happiness is found among the little things for me. No matter how major

the event or praise received I find happiness as the small moments in between. Moments such as

a smile of a friend, playing with my dog, and reading fascinating stories. Happiness also comes

from me knowing I am an individual who’s mentality is as contradicting as salt and pepper.

However, with the right mixture it can make a wonderful blend of flavour. Simply put to

describe my perception of happiness and how I view anything within this world, I can numb it

down to a five word self-description. “Social Libertarian, Atheist, Existentialist, Performer.”

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