Mill On Happiness

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Happiness, a pleasure almost everyone craves and yearns for, but why is it that those who search for this desire cease to discover its glory? The pleasure of being able to feel positive and whole seem to be a simple concept on its own, yet so difficult for the many who have ached and strived to obtain that happy state. The question is how can one truly obtain happiness? Happiness in many circumstances is questioned on how one can reach this true pleasurable state of mind and whether, it is temporary, real or just a mere illusion. It is a mystery in it’s own to find true joy, but when found one must treasure the people, actions, and emotions swirling around them.
How can we truly achieve happiness? Well John Stuart Mill, a philosopher, evaluated that those who have their mind fixed on their own happiness will never achieve it however; those who focus on “the happiness of others, the improvement of mankind, and even on some art or pursuit in anything else” will be able to achieve this pleasure. This proves that happiness can only found when focusing on the enjoyment of life. The importance of …show more content…
It was indicated by Darrin M McMahon, a historian and author, that “economists like Lord Richard Layard and Daniel Kahneman countered that happiness in modern society would be fulfilled by obtaining more money”. Richard Layard and Daniel Kahneman did hold a good point for happiness can be found within this theory, but can obtaining money and other worldly desires provide the thirst of bliss? This theory may only present only temporary happiness, for the need of happiness being fulfilled by the desire of objects such as money is temporary and in the end unfulfilling. Concluding that obtaining desired possessions is not the way to find

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proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (Mill 347). Mill also describes happiness as “intended pleasure and the absence of pain” (Mill 347). Within our complex lives it is difficult to look upon a statement in such a black or white, right or wrong manner. I began to wonder what is the moral obligation of a person when committing acts in the pursuit of happiness? There are people who derive happiness and pleasure from others misfortune…

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