The Happiness Project

If there's such thing as practical approach to happiness, this is the book. As Dalai Lama said in his book that the purpose of life is to be happy, and it can be achieved by disciplined the mind, this book tries every possible and thinkable method of 'disciplined the mind' to come to term to happiness.


But, what is happiness? And why is it important? Dalai Lama said it is the purpose of life. No matter what you do, everyone just want to be happy, but what is happiness? Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defined happiness as 'a state of well being and contentment,' also as, 'a pleasurable or satisfying experience.' The great philosopher Aristotle said that happiness is, 'the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.' But my favorite definition of happiness would be the one come from Margaret Lee Runbeck, 'Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.' Happiness is a work of a lifetime. And as Dalai Lama said(and Gretchen Rubin in this book showed it), it required discipline of the mind. It takes a lot of effort.


Back to the book, i have to say i started the book with a very skeptical mind. I don't believe that happiness can be achieved through series of to do list, and a very vague list that is, such as,'feel happy,', 'be generous.' As i read through the book, i was thinking, happiness is a lot of work (sigh!). But then, what is important things that doesn't required a lot of work and discipline? though i keep thinking that the chart, the rules and other things listed in this book are such a simplification, there's this one thing that i get from this book. although you might not want the chart and the whole year effort, but happiness really comes from mindfulness, generosity, being honest about who you are and open mind. and yes, because it is so much easier to sulk, scream, and yell, being (and feel) happy is harder thing to do. and if you think the results are worth the efforts, go ahead, try this book.


There are several other thing worth mentioning in this book. That for most of the people (yes, including the introvert), happiness comes from meaningful social connection. That would explain the booming of social networking such as Facebook and Twitter. And there's this new research that shows that religious people are more happy. Pseudo happiness? It's for you to decide. And money does related to happiness and can buy happiness to some extent (grin). And it's the atmosphere of growth that makes people happy. The feel that they are better today than yesterday. It's all about improvement. I guess, deep down, we're all strive to be a divine being.