The Pursuit of Happiness

Introduction

The modern definition of "happiness" certainly refers to the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure. But it is instructive to consider how the term has evolved since the time Thomas Jefferson enshrined the "pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence as being a fundamental human right. Jefferson most likely borrowed this idea from John Locke, one Jefferson's key intellectual influences. In his essay "Concerning Human Understanding", Locke stated that, "The necessity of pursuing happiness is the foundation of liberty. As therefore the highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness; so the care of ourselves, that we mistake not imaginary for real happiness, is the necessary foundation of our liberty." Locke was not referring to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, but to the Aristotelian meaning of "happiness", which Aristotle had described not as the satisfaction of our desire for sensual pleasures, but a person's active pursuit of virtue or excellence, or, in other words, the pursuit of meaning (the phrase "pursuit of happiness" is actually redundant since pursuit is an essential part of Aristotle's definition of happiness). So during the 18th Century and at the time of the birth of this nation, the search for happiness and the search for meaning in life were actually one in the same.

Research shows that pursuing “happiness” makes people less happy, while having Purpose/meaning increases “overall life satisfaction.” Happiness is a trait shared by all animals, but meaning is something uniquely human. Happiness = being a "taker” or having your needs met, while leading a meaningful life = being a "giver," or giving to others/the world. “People whose lives have high levels of meaning often actively seek meaning out even when they know it will come at the expense of happiness.” Happiness is fleeting; meaning endures. Gets you thinking, doesn't it? What is your purpose or meaning in life?

The article quotes "This uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any “how”.

Discussion

Sometimes a person is motivated by the pursuit of happiness, and sometimes the same person can be motivated by the pursuit of meaning: A manager is tasked with knowing which playing field they are currently on, and helping [their staff] achieve their goals there, so they can move forward. A great manager is versed in responding to both motivations — and honoring them (MacGregor, pp. 494-512).

We will often question people and may even argue with them, imposing ...