Pursuit of Happiness

Pursuit of Happiness

  • Submitted By: brklyn
  • Date Submitted: 03/16/2014 9:09 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 642
  • Page: 3







Pursuit of Happiness
Psychology 220
September 1, 2013
Professor Brian Stepp


Pursuit of Happiness
Merriam-Webster (2013) defines the term happiness as a state of well-being and contentment. For some, happiness, or the pursuit thereof, is a personal and life long journey. For others it is viewed as only a temporary state and should be shared with amongst one’s community. Given this information one can deduce that happiness, just as beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. What makes or keeps an individual happy? Is it a big house, a fancy car, millions of dollars, success, family or friends? A combination of things can contribute to one’s happiness, but will they sustain that happiness?
It is said that Americans practice a very individualistic style of happiness. This particular style of happiness is only relevant to one’s self. How much money they are going to make, how much property they own, or how many friends one may have is indicative of an individualistic style of happiness. When I began to think about it, it appears to be a selfish term. We, as Americans, are encouraged at a very young age to be an individuals, to be responsible for our own actions, and only show sympathy when needed. It is instilled in many of us not to worry about the next person. Over the last forty years Americans have become more and more disconnected from one another. Family was always revered as the number one priority for many. Television used to be flooded with family friendly programming and propaganda. Nowadays, more and more advertisers promote self wealth and we live in a more consumer based society. Our consumption and subjective well-being are directly correlated to our level of discipline.
Researchers maintain that the abundance of opportunities and individual freedoms for American’s have skewed the perception of happiness when compared to our Asian counterparts. According to researchers, Americans are taught that having high self...

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