Definition Essay On Happiness

We live in a society that revolves around a constant cycle of work and spend. Our idea of happiness is the newest and biggest thing whether it be anti-aging skincare products, a big house, a new car, a lavish vacation.... Even in the midst of an economic recession, Americans will use expressions such as"retail therapy" and "you can never have too many shoes" as if material items will bring about happiness, which is just not the case.

Over the past decade, the concept of happiness has won the interest of psychologists, economists, and sociologists who have made tremendous strides in determining best measures of happiness, ways to increase happiness, and why happiness is important. Current trends have shown that the very pursuing of happiness leads to being unhappy, and how choices and decision making are affected based on one's state of mental well-being.

Some researchers treat happiness as singular in nature, with happiness meaning the same thing to all individuals. Other researchers suggest that happiness is highly subjective, meaning distinct things to each individual. A third stream of research suggests that there are multiple types of happiness, which shift in frequency across culture and age. Since happiness can vary with different cultural backgrounds and age, happiness by definition varies from one individual to another.

On average, wealthier countries are no happier than poor ones, but given any one country, richer people are happier than poorer people. People judge their economic welfare by that of their neighbors. The "Easterlin paradox" argues that individuals adapt more in the income or financial arenas than in non-income-related arenas.

Common interpretations of the Easterlin Paradox include the 'hedonic treadmill...

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...ered to above average levels. The happiness that follows an income gain eventually fades because the new level of income becomes the standard of which we measure our achievements. The poor will especially profit from economic growth because for them increased income, whether collective or individual, does buy happiness.

Often times in our society, material items are promoted and are promised to make us happier. Since the media pushes this idea so much, the importance of social relationships is less talked about and often forgotten. This is unfortunate because a healthy social life is necessary to sustain one's well-being and happiness.

Happiness is important to one's mental health, and the idea that happiness can be bought is not true. Everyone wants to be happy, and understanding happiness and the various ways of pursuing it will enhance their quality of life.