Is happiness a choice?

[Turtleboy1017]

So, I was just wondering, what do you guys think about happiness, and how to achieve it? Is it purchased with lots and lots of money, does it come naturally to those who have romantic relationships, or is it something that you can only find within?

Personally, I believe that as long as someones will is strong enough, anything can be turned into a better situation... That is not to say that we are not allowed to grieve or be sad when something terrible has happened, but that we should always at least try and find it in ourselves to be happy again...

What do you think? Do you think that you are in your own definition of the term "happy"?

 

[Amberella]

I think it depends on the person. Different things make different people happy.

And I am relatively happy at the moment, just need to finally get over to the UK to be with my Tom darling, then I'll be happy. <3

 

[DividedUnity]

Some people are happy and content when they have certain things in their life. Personally i dont think happiness is a choice i think that it is many choices that you make over your life

 

[Acier]

I believe there are steps you can actively take to improve your mood.

Their effectiveness however relies completely on the person's personality and situation.

 

[rockingnic]

I can smile my ass off and I could be clinically depressed as far as anyone knows.

 

[bobknowsall]

I guess it can depend on whether or not you're an idealist or a cynic. While there are a few happy cynics, they're usually exceptions to the rule. But correlating idealism to happiness is kind of similar to correlating ignorance and happiness. You might think they'd inspire happiness, but what must idealists think of the utter bastardry we occasionally inflict on each other?

Wow, I sure can ramble.

Going back on topic, I don't think you can choose to be happy. You can be made happy, but I don't think you can change your entire worldview with a single, consciious decision.

 

[Levitas1234]

I believe happiness is gained by achieving what you want in life, If i had what i desired more in life than anything else i would be very happy, but i don't have that and i am not. So while i don't have what i desire i still have weed and that makes my unhappiness tolerable.

 

[Composer]

people achieve happiness differently there is no definite way
mine is finding that girl but i havent so im not happy

 

[Mad World]

I believe that the only way to achieve true happiness is through Jesus Christ.

That may sound very corny, but it's what I believe.

I often think that I'd be more happy with money, for example, but that just is not true.

 

[Kollega]

I am not sure if happiness is a choice - but i'm pretty sure that unhappiness is a choice. To ignore absolutely all good things in the world, down to the very last small detail, certainly takes some amount of concentration and brick-headedness.

You might think they'd inspire happiness, but what must idealists think of the utter bastardry we occasionally inflict on each other?

Uhm, that there's also other end of the spectrum? We would still live in Dork Ages if there wasn't.

 

[CincoDeMayo]

Happiness can only be given or achieved, therefore it's a privilege as far as my opinion goes. Spread some happiness and you'll get some in return, that's the way things work.

If it's a choice however, I'm split about. If you set your mind upon something that you believe will make you happy you still achieve it rather than chose it, but you still made the choice to reach out and grab it, just as you chose whether to spread happiness or not.

So... 50/50?

 

[bobknowsall]

You might think they'd inspire happiness, but what must idealists think of the utter bastardry we occasionally inflict on each other?

Uhm, that there's also other end of the spectrum? We would still live in Dork Ages if there wasn't.

Please elaborate, because I didn't quite understand what you were saying. Are you saying that idealism is purely responsible for advancement?

I am not sure if happiness is a choice - but i'm pretty sure that unhappiness is a choice. To ignore absolutely all good things in the world, down to the very last small detail, certainly takes some amount of concentration and brick-headedness.

Unhappiness is not caused by ignoring the good things in life; it's caused by noticing all the shitty things that happen in life. Some people deliberately make themselves unhappy, but they are exceptions.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I don't really think happiness is that much of a choice.

Kids who are sold to the sex industry probably don't have to much to be happy about. But I guess you're referring to the average person with average problems.
It is most certainly a choice, though, to make a problem out of everything and ignore the good things life has to offer.

 

[annil8tion]

I think it is certainly a choice and we are in control of that choice.

 

[LeonLethality]

I think emotions are like reflex we really don't have much control over them, though they do vary from person to person.

 

[feather240]

I believe that the only way to achieve true happiness is through Jesus Christ.

That may sound very corny, but it's what I believe.

Is that the only time you're happy or do you mean 'true happiness'/'eternal happiness'?



Uh, even if we assume we have choices I would say sometimes. Try to feel happy right now and see how far that gets you. I suppose you could go out and do stuff to make you happy though, but that would mean happiness requires more than just choosing to be happy.

 

[Kollega]

You might think they'd inspire happiness, but what must idealists think of the utter bastardry we occasionally inflict on each other?

Uhm, that there's also other end of the spectrum? We would still live in Dork Ages if there wasn't.

Please elaborate, because I didn't quite understand what you were saying. Are you saying that idealism is purely responsible for advancement?

Nope, i'm telling the exact reverse. The advancement of human civilization makes idealism valid. It would not be valid if there was no science heroes making life better just because they can - people such as Louis Pasteur, Albert Einstein, and so on.

 

[FoolKiller]

You feel what you feel. You can choose your actions but what you feel is just that. A feeling.

 

[ethaninja]

For me, it's comfort. Not money, or friends or family. Just as long as I'm comortable, away from noise and pain etc.

 

[Slipped Mind]

I can smile my ass off and I could be clinically depressed as far as anyone knows.

^ This, really.