The Secret to Happiness: Embrace Activity and Purpose
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Chapter 1: The Pursuit of Happiness
The Finnish population has consistently ranked as the happiest people worldwide for six consecutive years. This is no coincidence, as Finland also excels in various global indices measuring economic and social progress, despite having fewer resources than nations like the United States, which is ranked 15th in terms of happiness.
The World Happiness Report employs various metrics, including GDP per capita and the Cantril ladder life evaluation. This evaluation asks:
“Imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top symbolizes your best possible life, while the bottom represents the worst. Where do you think you stand on this ladder right now?”
Consider taking a moment to reflect on your position. Also, think about this follow-up question:
“Where do you believe you will be on this ladder in five years?”
The attributes that typically enhance a nation's happiness include reduced wealth inequality, lower corruption rates, and superior healthcare and education systems. However, many of these factors are beyond the direct influence of individuals.
So, what can you do? Relocating to Finland isn't feasible for everyone, nor is it necessary.
For instance, I reside in the Netherlands, which holds the 5th position on the happiness scale. Other English-speaking nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK also feature in the top twenty. If you live in one of these countries, you are likely ahead in the happiness rankings compared to many around the globe.
Ultimately, your happiness largely lies within your control. While external factors like government policies and corruption are significant, you still possess the power to enact change in your life.
It's your journey. Your choices matter.
Do you want external circumstances to dictate your happiness?
Section 1.1: The Three Pillars of Happiness
Happiness can manifest as career success, fulfilling relationships, or the freedom to pursue personal interests. Based on my observations, individuals who consistently find joy in their lives share three crucial pillars:
- A Healthy Mind
- A Strong Body
- An Active Lifestyle
While many other aspects—such as relationships, living environment, and job satisfaction—affect our happiness, we cannot control everything. Thus, I focus on these three pillars.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Healthy Mind
A healthy mind entails the ability to manage your emotions, impulses, and thoughts effectively. Anxiety over trivial matters can hinder your happiness. If you constantly seek the approval of others, or if laziness keeps you from engaging in life, happiness will remain elusive.
On a practical level, a controlled mind is one that can focus. What you devote your attention to shapes your life. If you allow social media or external opinions to dictate your thoughts, you risk living a life crafted by others rather than by yourself.
When you lose control over your thoughts, you become your own adversary.
Section 1.2: A Strong Body
Naval Ravikant, an entrepreneur and investor, aptly identified a contemporary dilemma:
“The modern mind is overstimulated while the modern body is understimulated and overfed.”
I realized this truth after spending years working from home. As my activity levels declined, so did my motivation and happiness. I kept a journal, and it became clear that my happiest moments coincided with periods of activity—whether through exercise, engaging in hobbies, or pursuing projects.
Scientific evidence supports the notion that physical exercise and nutrition significantly influence our happiness. You don't need to be in peak physical condition—regular workouts a few times a week can suffice.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Being Active
The first video, "Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics bk. 1 | What is Happiness? | Philosophy Core Concepts," explores philosophical perspectives on happiness, emphasizing the role of purpose and activity in achieving fulfillment.
When purpose is lacking, life can feel overwhelmingly bleak.
Being active is essential.
What does it mean to be active, and why is it vital for our happiness? The opposite of being active is merely discussing aspirations without taking action. This often leads to regret for unfulfilled dreams and wasted time—a recipe for unhappiness.
The solution lies in taking action today. Pursue your goals! Fill your life with energizing experiences. Stay engaged and concentrate on what you can control.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus articulated this well:
“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals, not under my control, and which have to do with the choice I actually control.”
This reinforces the idea that our happiness is largely self-determined. By remaining active, we can minimize concerns about what we cannot influence and focus on what genuinely matters to us.
The second video, "Views on Human Happiness (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics bk.1) - A Course In Ethics," delves into various interpretations of happiness and their implications for ethical living.