In my study of happiness, I’ve labored to identify its fundamental principles. Because I get a tremendous kick out of the numbered lists that pop up throughout Buddhism (the Triple Refuge, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Four Noble Truths, the eight auspicious symbols), I decided to dub these fundamental principles as my Eight Splendid Truths.
Each one of these truths sounds fairly obvious and straightforward, but each was the product of tremendous thought. Take the Second Splendid Truth — it’s hard to exaggerate the clarity I gained when I finally managed to put it into words.
Here they are.
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I really liked #2. I never feel better than when I am giving to others.
Lots of great principles here, Gretchen for living a happy life.
I would add #9: Character counts. Hateful, grudge-bearing, impatient, cowardly people find happiness a distant land at best. By contrast, kind, forgiving, courageous, humble, compassionate, loving people live by principles that open the door to happiness.
Thanks for the great article!
I too think #2 is the most important. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in self.
Promoting happiness is always a good thing, given the plenty of unhappiness out there. Your splendid truths are spot on. I particularly embrace “I can build a happy life only on the foundation of my own nature.” While the intro of “the product of tremendous thought” hardly invites comments, you do ask “What did I miss”, hence … In your first splendid truth – “To be happier, you have to …” – IMHO you might have missed the pre-first step. Get rid of your “have-to’s”. The Fourth Splendid Truth “THINK you’re happy” – I suspect is just a typing error. Surely, it ought to say, ACT, as in Shakespeare’s “Assume the virtue if you have it not.”
I like to tell people if you want the perfect woman, you need to become the perfect man. Although neither exist, shouldn’t we strive to become what we want? After all, aren’t we becoming our expectations?
I love this, I love happy, and I love anything that focuses on it, directly or indirectly
I found it interesting that #7 seems to be a paradox that is vaguely explained through italics.
I mean, I get it, and I agree, it just felt like it could use a little fleshing out
Rock on, great post Gretchen, *made* me … smile
P.S. I’ve heard very good things about The Happiness Project (I think from Chris Guillebeau), and I’m eager to check it out
Would your sacrifice your personal little self happiness for greater good of mankind?. This does not mean you will be constanly unhappy but that your main goal in life is not to constantly seek your own blissfulness but to endure painful sacrifice for a greater mission beyond your self. Think of the Christian’s, Jesus Christ on the cliff, being told all the world boutyfulness and a life of pleasure and bliss could be his, if….
If only he wanted it more than his other purpose on earth.