making sense of "The Pursuit of Happiness"

         
It is especially American to anchor our personal and societal aspirations in the notion of pursuing happiness. Its an "inalienable right" (T Jefferson), isn't it? We are all entitled to it, aren't we? Yet, as this cartoon aptly points out, pursuing happiness is really the genesis of worry. We worry whether we will ever be happy. When we reach some state of being happy, then we worry if we can keep it.

The root word for happiness is "hap". This is the same root for the word "happenstance." Happiness is simply a positive feeling we receive from circumstances that meet our needs or wants. Its the "presence of pleasure and the absence of pain" (Epicurus). It depends on how others respond to us and what we extract through exchange with the world around us. Often we make sense of happiness by comparing our self to others

So, the "pursuit of happiness" is carnally minded, based on the world's system of reciprocity. Thus, achieving happiness is fleeting, a constant struggle to keep the exchange working.

Then there is the idea of the "hedonic treadmill." This is the notion that people are constantly pursuing happiness but once attained, we begin seeking again. Happiness is an insatiable pursuit.

The Kingdom mind does not emphasize happiness as an aspiration. Jesus talks often about joy. "Blessed are" (Matt 5) means "O the joy of being." Joy is a state (not a feeling) in which our soul has permanent well being and more importantly, it is not dependent on our circumstances. "Blessed" is the Greek word makarios which means well being that is internally sustained. Jesus said "I come that you may have joy and that your joy may be full."

Joy is the real end game of life. Receiving well being that cannot be taken from us and will never wither away is the product of redemption. Intimate relationship with the King of the Universe and harmony with the Heavenlies (however you wish to view righteousness) is our gift from a loving Father.

While there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, is the "Pursuit of Happiness" really "life's natural end of existence" (Aristotle)?  something to ponder ....