In Aldous Huxley’s book, Brave New World, the Director states “…
the secret of happiness and virtue--[is] liking what you’ve got to do” (16).
This statement caught my eye because when I think of happiness I see it as a
result of wanting to do something
that one has a passion or liking for. I never considered happiness as an
outcome of having to do something,
because when I’m forced to do something I’m not a happy camper. However, when I’m
willing to do something it comes from my heart and I’m delighted to do what
needs to be done. What do you guys think? Does your happiness
come from when you have to or willing to do something? Have you ever found
happiness in something that you were forced to do?
I think my happiness comes from having the willpower me passion to do something. It is also hard to remember such things because I don't really pay attention to my happiness. I simply consider myself a happy person. But I think trying new things and forcing myself to do something has caused me to be happy as well.
ReplyDeleteJust as Alyssa has said it, happiness for me is also something that I do not think or pay attention to. If I question myself about my happiness, then am I really happy? I found happiness in a sport that I forced myself to join and do and that is Cross Country. Even if I'm not the fastest person in the team I have kept myself motivated to continue on, and it is something that has made me happy.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am most happy when I'm willing to do something,but I have also found that when I'm forced to do something, sometimes I am happy that I did it. As an example, my brother forced me to play rugby, I did not want to play because I remember when his hand got cut open while he was playing. But after being able to play, I realized that it was no more dangerous than any other team sport. In the end I was happy that I was able to add another sport to my list of hobbies.
ReplyDeleteI believe that happiness comes from what may seem the worse moments in your life, it is unexpected and sometimes very expected. However, true happiness can be very tricky. For example, I loved dance it was the one thing I choose on my own, I then decided to take a year off too focus on my homework. I soon realized that it wasn't true happiness it was just all I new eat, sleep, and dance. When I took that year off I found something that actually made me happy, which was something I was forced into basketball. It occurred to me that happiness isn't something that just seems to fit in with your schedule. It is something that you never see coming and something that at the end of the day makes you want too get up and do it again no matter how you're feeling. At the end of the day I know basketball has made me happy and I don't question it's just a natural feeling.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with what you all have had to say about happiness but I can relate with what Morgen is saying about how happiness is something that you don't expect. Personally, I don't monitor my happiness because the MAJORITY of the time I know I'm happy and wish it upon others. I know what true bliss is because I know that I am blessed and would not have it any other way which makes me appreciate the many positive things in my life. Happiness doesn't come easy and it is not something that you are simply going to be waiting on, it is a quality that comes to you in the most random times. Since I am never blue, I try to instill my positive energy towards my friends and family that keep me going. One nice thing/comment could make someones day because your boosting their self-esteem which contributes to how happy they are with the fact that someone said one nice thing to them. I really value happiness and only wish the best for thy neighbor. It makes me quite sad to think of all the terrible actions that have occurred in the last year with all the gun violence and destruction of our society but then I think, it doesn't last long. Times will get better because change occurs everyday. Positive thinking is always the way to go in daily life so I choose to always be happy. Not just for me but for my peers and wonderful role models in my life. I love art and always have since I could remember and Art Academy is a big part of my life that I will never forget after I leave high school. I will never forget it because it made me HAPPY because I was doing something that I love, that goes for my love for running as well and can be seen in Cross Country. I can go on and on, but true happiness can b achieved by doing the things that you love and with that, you will experience true bliss.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good question. I realized that I'm the most happiest doing something when I am willing to do it. I don't enjoy being forced and put under pressure to do something. In my earlier years, I never thought of becoming a cheerleader. No one forced me to try out for the team, I did it on my own and it turned out that I love being a cheerleader for my school. I also agree that happiness does come natural. You shouldn't have to think about if you're happy or not, because chances are, you're probably not.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Huxley's quote, but I partially agree with what you're saying too. When you're forced to do something, you're obviously going to be unhappy at first because you don't want to do it. Although, it could lead to a happy ending. For example, I was dragged to an event I didn't want to go to at first, but it turned out to be one of the happiest days of my life because of how much fun I ended up having. That's my favorite kind of happiness. The kind that hits you when you least expect it.
ReplyDelete