In Madhu S. Mohanty’s paper about happiness, he quotes H.M. Jones’s definition of happiness. “Happiness is a concept ‘the meaning of which everybody knows but the definition of which nobody can give’ “ (81). My interpretation is that everyone has a concept of happiness, but cannot strictly define it. Happiness may be affected by certain factors. Although happiness is easily affected, it does not mean it is solely dependant on others or on just one reason. Since happiness is affected by many factors, people can have a misconception about what truly causes happiness. This is due to the fact that many people yearn to be happy.
Happiness is not caused by material objects, such as money. Money, on its own, does not bring happiness. The well-known saying that “money cannot buy happiness” is true. What good is it having money, when one cannot ever be fully satisfied, because one wants more and more? Simple pleasures that cause happiness are harder to achieve when one is extremely wealthy (Eaves). Money does not directly even affect happiness. There is weak correlation between the two. Many hold the wrong idea that making a greater income will directly cause them to be happier (Kahneman, Deaton). Statistics show that people who make more than $75,000 are no happier than people who make less (Blackman). “The bottom line: When you…show more content… Good company is essential in one’s life. Positive people and a positive environment make the degree of happiness increase in someone’s life.Kaczor stated that Aristotle did not believe money and material objects brought happiness to one’s life. In the end, it does not satisfy a human’s heart (Kaczor, 4). In the contrast, Aristotle believed that success also does not affect happiness. Success only temporarily causes happiness. This a misconception because setting new goals and having dreams causes one to work harder and eventually will lead to long-term
