Website owner: James Miller
Happiness. Aristotle said it was the final end toward which
all men endeavor, the greatest good for man. What is
happiness? Where is it found? How is it achieved? This
question is closely related to the question of unhappiness,
what unhappiness is and what causes it. In fact a man cannot
be happy if he is unhappy and we can perhaps define happiness
as the "absence of unhappiness". Unhappiness is very prevalent
in this world. Most people, at different times in their lives,
meet with it. What are the sources of unhappiness in this
life? Let us list some:
- mistreatment, abuse and oppression by our fellow man (i.e.
abuse inflicted by those in authority over us)
- misfortune (i.e. being struck by some disease, loss of a
loved one, etc.)
- mental or emotional problems
- boredom, listlessness, loneliness, depression
How can we minimize the amount of unhappiness we suffer in life
(and thus maximize the amount of happiness we obtain from
life)? What strategies can we use to minimize our pain and
misery from each of the above listed sources of unhappiness?
Well, in the case of the first one listed, abuse and oppression
by our fellow man, one thing that we can do to minimize the
chances of abuse from a boss is to seek self-reliance and
independence. We can save money, reduce our material wants and
needs and go to self-employment or independent country living.
If one is under someone who is abusing him he may, in some way,
be able to get out from under that person and away from that
situation. In the case of the second source of unhappiness
listed, misfortune, one thing you can do is take care of your
health through proper eating, getting sufficient exercise and
pursuing a low-stress lifestyle. In the case of the third
source of unhappiness, mental and emotional problems, one can
make one's first priority in life the rejection of sin and
foolishness and a commitment to a life of Honesty, Decency,
Goodness, Virtue and Moral Principle (i.e. a commitment to the
right set of values). Also, one can establish good ground
rules and habits for his life such as non-drinking, non-
smoking, etc..
Apr 1985
More from SolitaryRoad.com:
Jesus Christ and His Teachings
Way of enlightenment, wisdom, and understanding
America, a corrupt, depraved, shameless country
On integrity and the lack of it
The test of a person's Christianity is what he is
Ninety five percent of the problems that most people have come from personal foolishness
Liberalism, socialism and the modern welfare state
The desire to harm, a motivation for conduct
On Self-sufficient Country Living, Homesteading
Topically Arranged Proverbs, Precepts, Quotations. Common Sayings. Poor Richard's Almanac.
Theory on the Formation of Character
People are like radio tuners --- they pick out and listen to one wavelength and ignore the rest
Cause of Character Traits --- According to Aristotle
We are what we eat --- living under the discipline of a diet
Avoiding problems and trouble in life
Role of habit in formation of character
Personal attributes of the true Christian
What determines a person's character?
Love of God and love of virtue are closely united
Intellectual disparities among people and the power in good habits
Tools of Satan. Tactics and Tricks used by the Devil.
The Natural Way -- The Unnatural Way
Wisdom, Reason and Virtue are closely related
Knowledge is one thing, wisdom is another
My views on Christianity in America
The most important thing in life is understanding
We are all examples --- for good or for bad
Television --- spiritual poison
The Prime Mover that decides "What We Are"
Where do our outlooks, attitudes and values come from?
Sin is serious business. The punishment for it is real. Hell is real.
Self-imposed discipline and regimentation
Achieving happiness in life --- a matter of the right strategies
Self-control, self-restraint, self-discipline basic to so much in life