Is happiness in this life important?

[sciatica]

A Christian might say not the most important thing. Still I think we are allowed to savour joyful moments. Like the birth of a child.
A Buddhist might say happiness is all in the mind. That you can be happy even during a difficult stressful phase of life.
Joy and motivation are important imo. Such moments can reaffirm life.

 

[Rival]

Of course. We are given many things to enjoy. Food, animals, sex, friendships, creative play, holidays and so much more.

 

[SalixIncendium]

If happiness is important to you, it’s important.

If it’s not mportamt to you, them it’s not.

The importance of happiness is dependent on one’s attachment to it.

Check local listings.

 

[Dawnofhope]

A Christian might say not the most important thing. Still I think we are allowed to savour joyful moments. Like the birth of a child.
A Buddhist might say happiness is all in the mind. That you can be happy even during a difficult stressful phase of life.
Joy and motivation are important imo. Such moments can reaffirm life.

‘Abdu’l-Baha once commented

If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?

 

[sciatica]

If happiness is important to you, it’s important.

If it’s not mportamt to you, them it’s not.

The importance of happiness is dependent on one’s attachment to it.

Check local listings.

Reminds me of the popular saying "It is what it is." Which i have always found meaningless.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Reminds me of the popular saying "It is what it is." Which i have always found meaningless.

If it’s meaningless to you, then you’re right. It’s meaningless.

Apologies for the disruption.

 

[sciatica]

If it’s meaningless to you, then you’re right. It’s meaningless.

Apologies for the disruption.

omg
its like talking to a robot

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Reminds me of the popular saying "It is what it is." Which i have always found meaningless.

Why would you find that meaningless? Is it useful to pretend that something is what it clearly isn't, and pretend that it won't hurt you? Or is it usually better to recognize it for what it is, and deal with it on that basis?

 

[sciatica]

Why would you find that meaningless? Is it useful to pretend that something is what it clearly isn't, and pretend that it won't hurt you? Or is it usually better to recognize it for what it is, and deal with it on that basis?

it was what it was?
it will be what it will be?

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

A Christian might say not the most important thing. Still I think we are allowed to savour joyful moments. Like the birth of a child.
A Buddhist might say happiness is all in the mind. That you can be happy even during a difficult stressful phase of life.
Joy and motivation are important imo. Such moments can reaffirm life.

If this life is all you have (as I believe), then yes, happiness is important.

And yes, if you're sensible, you can even be happy when times are tough. That just requires knowing that the problems are not everything -- that the richness of life offers so many opportunities to find joy.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

it was what it was?
it will be what it will be?

No question about "it was what it was," (ignoring those who like to rewrite history for nefarious reasons.)

Can't answer for what will be, except to say that I may have an impact on how my own future turns out, and hopefully make choices that make "what will be" a good thing.

 

[sciatica]

If this life is all you have (as I believe), then yes, happiness is important.

And yes, if you're sensible, you can even be happy when times are tough. That just requires knowing that the problems are not everything -- that the richness of life offers so many opportunities to find joy.

I think one ingredient to happiness is not taking anything too seriously. Whether it is Christian or Atheist Doctrine.