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The Search for Happiness
Everyone in the world wishes to be happy. This is the one unifying goal that brings together the whole of the human race. Behind everything we do, every decision we take, there is an underlying motivation: happiness.
Think about it: isn’t this true for you as well? When you wish to, for example, buy a new car, aren’t you thinking that this purchase will increase your level of happiness? Let’s say, however, for argument’s sake, that the car for you is not a want, but a need: let’s suppose you found a job which requires a long commute, and having a car is the only practical way to get there every day. So, you buy it. Where does the desire for happiness come into the picture, you might ask?
Well, for one, obviously you care enough about the job to want to go all the way there, and you feel that not being able to commute will consequently decrease your level of happiness. Moreover, the prospect of being able to simply drive to your new job, as opposed to a long and tiring second choice of taking three buses and walking part of the way, fills you with relief. Again, the desire to avoid a situation which will bring unhappiness becomes a deciding factor. Another reason might simply be comfort; a comfort which we believe will make us feel happier than its alternative of discomfort.
