Chapter 2 - part 2

Much of this chapter foucuses on what Lucas refers to as "I'm happy when I'm putting you down" phenomenon. It is very interesting and  I am pretty sure it is something we have all run into. Do we slip into it with those we care about when we are having a lousy day? I think so a little bit. At least responding in anger or aggravation that you are being interrupted. The book covers the subject on a more serious scale, with hate language and physical threats of violence being given as examples. I think he makes a good point regarding comedians using shock value of vulgarity. He then leads into a discussion about the connection to depression which is interesting also. My favorite part of the chapter though is the Santa Claus oath which I do not believe I had ever run across before now. Then he points out in the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town' the reason for being good. I like why we need to be good..."for goodness sake".

Chapter Two – part 1: This chapter is entitled “The Science of Happiness”. Lucas begins the chapter by defining what psychology is and the fact that a lot of people do not believe that it is a “real” science. He then equates Math as a science we think is real but since the number pi is not a real number we really do not know what the circumference of a circle is. His point is that if we can accept that circles are real, and math is a science, then psychology is also real. It is not a very strong argument for psychology; I think he needs some help from lawyers on how to present a convincing case.

The next section deals with his point that happiness is an objective. It is at the basis for most societies, he calls it “The Happiness Principle.” He points out that the U.S. Declaration of Independence guarantees us “the pursuit of happiness.”  In 1999 the country of Bhutan adopted a gross national happiness index for their country to measure happiness. Lucas is giving examples that society assumes that all humans want to be happy, although there are subjective differences in how we attain it or exactly what will end up making us truly happy. We are promised these answers in chapter 3.

Most people believe that they are happier that others according to several studies he cites. He calls this the “I’m Happy – You’re Not” paradox which he says is a form of the self serving bias. This is the assumption that most people take internal credit for the good things that happen to them and blame external factors outside their control for the bad things. The other basis for this belief he states is social comparison. We look at others less fortunate in life and feel better because we have more than they have.

The author has also provided a list in the chapter of examples of many of the things people pursue to find happiness. He states, "All of the things on the list ... are for naught; for the "happiness" that results from these things is temporary and may best be described by other positive emotions in particular: pleasure. While I do agree with him about a number of the things he lists, I certainly disagree strongly with him about several of them.
The material things on the list definitely belong there; houses, boats, and automobiles are not going to bring you happiness. In fact they may depress you more after acquiring them. The dream of having them and the struggle to acquire them is more satisfying. If you place too much importance on them though, you will be disappointed. It is just a “thing”, and after you have it and your life does not change, many people can become depressed or they simply start the chase after the next thing.
There are other items listed that are temporary in their nature; fame, beauty, vacations, and youth are some of those he lists. Again no lasting happiness. Some of the things he lists are very important; learning, education, diplomas, and careers. There is much satisfaction which will be had through these things, certainly some happiness, but certainly not permanent happiness. They also can bring a lot of unhappiness and stress.
What I totally disagree with him on is family, marriage, religion, and God. Yes, I know, the first two can also cause stress and unhappiness. But not for everyone. Religion (or spirituality) not as a collection of church laws or rules but as your beliefs can bring you lasting happiness.
God is certainly permanent and enduring happiness and so much more.  

This blog is about the textbook, “Being: Your Happiness, Pleasure, and Contentment” by Don Lucas. Who, it turns out is a professor at the college I am attending, although not my professor.

Well let’s cut to the chase about this book. The author has stated on page 4 that he knows that I do not want to be happy and neither do you. What we want to be is content. He states that happiness is only a short term feeling. People think they want it but they are confused. The meaning of life will be explained to us so we may have “everlasting positive emotions.” This misconception will all be addressed in chapter 2. Wow it is not going to take him long.

Secondly we are not in control; other people in our life are controlling our happiness. If they are not happy we will not be happy. This guy is full of good news.

Of course you probably know this one is coming; money will not make us happy. He does admit there is a relationship between money and happiness. But it does not cause happiness, or lead me to happiness.

Finally we are all wrong if we are stating we never want to be content. Apparently that is exactly what we do want. Again, all of this will be cleared up and explained in chapter 2. I cannot wait to read it.

A clarification from the author. He states this is not a self-help book. He states it does not fall into that trap. He says those books assume most people are unhappy and this one does not. Secondly those books promote us to take more control of our lives to become happier, this book does not.