The Somber Truth About Happiness!

Quote by Anonymous Author: "If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy Teenagers?"

Before I upset anyone with this Quote, let me assure you that I was not trying to single out today's youth. It could have been anyone, but I liked the quote. The fact behind it is that often our Sayings and Quotes try to tell us what Happiness really is. According to one saying: "Ignorance is Bliss"
Sadly, I can not buy into this concept. Often, it is that which we are ignorant about that causes us the most discomfort in our lives. We can not achieve goals that we are certain that is all that stands in between us and contentment. Ironically, as soon as we have achieved this goal, instead of finding deep and lasting happiness in our success we only find a short period of joy before we again reach for the stars. Let us then examine the different Ideas that are supposed to bring us lasting joy and happiness.

Are possessions the path to happiness?
Certainly having things we like gives us a feeling of pride, but is it happiness? How often have you bought that new Gadget, Article of Clothing, Book or Trip only to soon loose interest in that which brought you immense pleasure? The reality is, once the newness wears off, the feeling of elation wanes. Possessions are more the path to pride (and there is nothing wrong with it) and making our lives more comfortable then to happiness.

Are Achievements the path to happiness?
Just as in the case with objects, achievements have a way of never being enough. Of course you are elated at first, happy and proud you tell everyone that is willing to hear about it. However, soon enough is wears thin and suddenly you look at the larger, greater achievement of someone else. Human Beings are naturally competitive and so you return to the Rate Race and once again pit yourself against your fellow worker. Is that a bad thing? Only if nothing else exists in your World, but as long as it is healthy and you know when to stop it is the driving force for you to make your Goals and Dreams a reality.