The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily — Plato
Happiness depends upon ourselves — Aristotle
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not―Seneca
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present―Lao Tzu
It is not God’s will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy — Immanuel Kant
What is happiness? The feeling that power increases, that a resistance is overcome―Friedrich Nietzsche
I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them — Stuart Mill
What amazes me is that none of these great philosophers offers any advice that, in my opinion, is credible and when they do offer something, like Kant saying we should make ourselves happy, there is nothing in writing as to how to do that.... Just saying make yourself happy doesn't mean SHIT to me...
Happiness cannot be found in:
- sadness
- depression
- melancholy
- drugs
- alcohol
- money
- power
- ability
- intelligence
- assets
Happiness involves or relates to:
- peace of mind
- harmony
- joy
- contentment
- acceptance
- lack of wanting
Happiness does not exclude:
- anxiety
- frsutration
- anger
- disappointment
Those who say that they are happy and who still want more, regardless of the amount, are NOT REALLY HAPPY.
Trying to change your body because you are not satisfied with the way you look, means that you are not really happy.
Happiness is rarely found or discovered at a young age, even though there will be many times throughout your life where you admit to yourself that you are happy. That just shows your lack of understanding.
Happiness is not always found or discovered at an older age or a retired age either as long as there is something in your life that you want to achieve. For example, if you retire after 45 years of work and continue to work part-time, or pursue a hobby or want to write novels or paint landscapes, then you are not really happy.
Can you sit in a chair or cross-legged on the ground in your backyard for an hour or more with your eyes closed and listen to the sounds of nature?
- wind through the grass
- wind through the trees
- wind through the bushes
- squirrels scampering about
- birds singing or flying by
- sounds of motor vehicles passing
- barkings of dogs
- the sounds of crickets
- wing flappings of hummingbirds
- the sounds of silenc
Can you draw energy from this harmony?
Can you void your mind of all thoughts?
Can you astro-project yourself into a realm of nothingness?
Can you slow down your breathing?
Can you disappear from your own mind?
This is meditation, you say... not happiness!!! BUT... I beg to differ with you... as being able to truly meditate is the highest form of happiness because there is NOTHING YOU NEED OR WANT in those moments...
You are completely content.
You are completely relaxed.
There is nothing inside you but harmony.
HAPPINESS IS COMPLETE WISDOM