My son called from university to tell me he’d decided to drop college because it isn’t making him happy. He is 20 years old and whether something makes him happy or not seems to be his primary criterion for decision-making. I wanted to explain that happiness isn’t a reliable compass for navigating life, that sometimes… Read More »The history of happiness
We’ve spent roughly 2,500 years systematically misunderstanding what happiness actually is, and the we’re still getting it wrong, only now we’re doing it with better graphics and free two-day shipping. The ancient Greeks, the people who gave us democracy and philosophy, had this concept they called eudaimonia. It’s usually translated as “happiness,” which is like… Read More »A brief history of happiness
About the author Jonny Thomson works as a philosophy writer and educator. He contributes regularly to Big Think, a popular online platform that shares ideas from experts across various fields. Thomson brings philosophical concepts to everyday readers through his accessible writing style. His work often examines how ancient philosophical wisdom applies to modern life challenges.… Read More »I think happiness is a smiling soul
About the author Roy M. Goodman (1930-2014) was an American politician who served as a New York State Senator from 1969 to 2002. Born into a wealthy family with strong political connections, Goodman built his reputation through public service. As a Republican representing Manhattan’s “Silk Stocking” district, Goodman stood out for his moderate views. He… Read More »Happiness is a way of travel
I’ve searched for what makes life worth living through books, podcasts, and expert advice, but somehow, I still felt lost. Then I wondered: What if I asked real people instead of experts? So I turned to Reddit, where strangers speak raw truths they might not share with friends. I combed through hundreds of comments about… Read More »What Makes Life Worth Living? The 20 Most Meaningful Things According to Reddit
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a name that echoes through the corridors of intellectual inquiry, was more than a mere essayist or poet. He became a beacon for a philosophical movement known as Transcendentalism. Imagine Emerson—a man with eyes that held both the wisdom of ancient sages and the curiosity of a child. His journey began in… Read More »The purpose of life is not to be happy
Will Durant, a name etched in the annals of intellectual exploration, was more than a mere historian. Born on November 5, 1885, in the quaint town of North Adams, Massachusetts, he embarked on a lifelong quest to unravel the tapestry of human existence. Imagine Durant as a literary alchemist, his pen dipped in the ink… Read More »Happiness is in making things
John Stuart Mill was more than a philosopher—he was a symphony of thought, an architect of ideas. His life unfolded against the backdrop of a reforming 19th century, where ink flowed like rivers and minds ignited like constellations. Imagine young John, perched in his father’s study—a strict disciplinarian who nurtured his intellect. By age eight,… Read More »The only people who are truly happy
Zat Rana, a modern-day philosopher and writer, weaves his insights at the intersection of science, art, and business. His canvas is Design Luck, where he brushes strokes of wisdom, inviting readers to construct richer lives. But who is this enigmatic thinker, and what led him to distill such profound truths? Born in the digital age,… Read More »Happiness isn’t about a state of constant elation
Mahatma Gandhi, was a remarkable figure who etched his legacy into the annals of history. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. Gandhi, affectionately known as the Mahatma (which translates to “Great Soul”), emerged as a beacon of hope during India’s struggle for independence from British… Read More »Happiness is when what you think
