The Great Deception
"happiness is not to be found in the purchase of anything"
The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus said he believed we need only 3 things to make us happy. And they are:
1. friends
2. freedom
3. an analized life
By friends old Epicurus included; friends, family and community. These could be called the heart pleasures such as love, friendship and service to others. So item number one is FREE. I don't see how anyone can challenge this one.
By freedom he meant free time or leisure. We live in a work obsessed society. The drive to acquire stuff causes many to not even use up their holidays. How stupid is that? The very thing that will make you happy and some deny it. Hard workers are not usually good thinkers. Creativity is born from having fun and quiet reflection, and you don't get that by working your tail off.
By an analized life, he meant understanding and evaluating what makes you happy. And especially what makes you happy in an enduring way. Another old wise guy from the past named Socrates also said...the unexamined life is not worth living. He doesn't sound like he would be as much fun to have a beer with but he shared the sentiments of Epicurus.
Transitory Happiness
Transitory happiness is the short term happy feelings. Usually this is the ego satisfactions. You buy a new car, a big flat screen TV or the latest iphone. You get a short term spurt of happiness but eventually it fades. Or it could be that promotion you've been chasing or a pay raise. Nice high for awhile but again it eventually fades. So much of our commercialism is based on ego satisfaction.We are not entirely to blame for getting caught up in the great deception (that acquiring things will make us happy). Billions of dollars have been spent and some great intelligent minds are working against us. Yes, it is the marketers who are skillfully planning to convince you to buy the newest and greatest products. Did you know that the studies have proven that the more we watch TV, the more we spend?
Long lasting happiness
I've been writing down for the past week what makes me most happy, especially the long lasting happiness. And as you might expect the answer comes back as the heart pleasures and free time. I so enjoy time with friends and family. I also love time to read, write and think. Put me by the water and I'm one happy Eduardo.
Voluntary Simplicity
This is my new philosophy on life...voluntary simplicity. I intend to do what I can to simplify my life and escape the temptations of consumerism. I can hear my son now.....'damn no more nice presents' Lucky for him I don't intend to become cheap just no longer wasteful. I'll only buy what I need or what will give a really good happy return.
Now if you'll excuse me I'm headed for the lake to meet up with some amigos and analize my life over a cold beverage!
Eduardo
BONUS THOUGHT: We were all born as originals, so why would we ever want to become copies?
posted by Edward McBeth at
9:10 AM
2 Comments:
I hope you had fun at the lake! I'm just a wee bit envious.
As far as consumerism is concerned I have found an excellent remedy...that is POVERTY! LOL As a nurse I was never rich but I could buy most of what I wanted and needed. Then came the big let down when I got too sick to work. For 3 years my daughter and I lived on $600 a month. Now that will cure compulsive shopping. Finally I convinced the gov. to pay me disabilty. (which I paid in to while I was working for 30 years) We still are not rich but I don't have to decide between food or paying the electric bill! Today I am grateful for what I have and I don't whine (much) when I see the newest phone advertised on TV that I can't afford. It has been an important lesson for me. I no longer define myself by what I do or how much money I have. I am just me, person of the universe!
Hi Gracie, I've been consistently finding that the simplier I make my life (less possessions) the easier it has become. I guess the universe wanted you to take a short cut to happiness. The fortunate thing is that you recognize it and don't dwell on what you don't have. Congratulations!
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