Steve Inskeep: Hello everyone! We are here in the beautiful state of Washington D.C. inside the studios of NPR. I am your host Steve Inskeep and today we will be interviewing Jack Shonkoff, a professor of Child health and a psychologist at Harvard Medical School. In this interview we will discover the truth about the mysterious human emotions and whether people can truly choose their own emotions. Do you really believe that we could choose our own emotions?
Jack Shonkoff: Yes I do believe that. All people have an ability to choose their own emotions. Whether you are the happiest person alive or have tears rolling down your cheek, you have the ability to reflect and act upon your emotions.
Steve: So you're saying that if I was upset that…show more content… They also have “recommendations" to reach that certain level of happiness. It is their self willingness to overcome that severe condition that will later lead to their happiness.
Steve: Do you have any evidence to support this statement?
Jack: Of course I do! For example, a study created by a fellow classmate at Harvard Medical School found that people believed that if they improved their living conditions, they would reach greater happiness. Because of this idea of reaching a greater happiness, people thrive to create a better life for themselves. Numerous studies have been created to find whether people with a better education, more wealth, and a better personal life made them happier.
Steve: What was discovered in this research?
Jack: To summarize, people who who had luxury items, a longer education, and a happier personal life such as marriage and a family, stated that they were happy. In the research data, graphs were created that showed the amount of people that chose between 4 options. These options determined how many people were happy and the level of happiness they believed they had. These surveys showed that more people were happier if they had more luxury items that some people don't…show more content… Although it could be more difficult for them, they still have a choice to be happy? People have the choice to fight for a better life. If they do not attempt or try hard enough, they may not be happy. If they fight to better themselves or their surroundings, they could reach their greater happiness.
Steve: So what your saying is that anyone can choose to be happy?
Jack: Yes. Everyone has the ability and choice to obtain a better life.
Steve: Everyone?
Jack: Well there are some exceptions to this statement. For example, if a person has a mental or physical issue. Because of this issue, it may cause complications to reach a greater happiness like others, but does not mean it is impossible.
Steve: What would you say to someone who wants to reach a greater happiness, but cant seem to find it?
Jack: You have to want it! People think that because something like happiness is harder to reach than sadness, that is is impossible to get. Just like happiness, people can choose whether to be sad or angry. Those people may have their reasons to feel this way, but it is how they overcome these obstacles that makes them happy.
Steve: Well said. Well that looks like that’s all the time we have.
