The most important finding is that happiness does not really depend on objective conditions of either wealth, health or community, rather it depends on the correlation between objective conditions and subjective expectations, like, if you want a bullock cart and get a bullock cart, you’re content, if you want a brand new ferrari and get a second-hand fiat you feel deprived. – Yuval Noah Harari
Decoding Happiness is an organized summary of thoughts presented on the eternal human need of ‘Being Happy’, as presented by two of the best modern day minds through their books; “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant”, by Eric Jorgenson and “Sapiens” , by Yuval Noah Harari.
While Jorgensen’s book draws from a plethora of references and experiences of modern day life, Harari presents happiness in the context of the learnings and teachings of Buddha. What is remarkable to note is that while mankind has evolved from the era of Lord Buddha to one of Artificial Intelligence, the definition of happiness, and how to be happy remain unchanged.
What is Happiness?
Happiness is a state when nothing is missing – when there is an internal silence, when the mind shuts down and stops regretting the past or worrying about the future.
Happiness is ever evolving. Happiness is more about peace than it is about joy. Peace is happiness at rest, and happiness is peace in motion.
True happiness is independent of external conditions and of our inner feelings. Indeed the more significance we give to our feelings, the more we crave them, and the more we suffer. Buddha’s recommendation was to stop not only the pursuit of external achievements, but also the pursuit of inner feelings.
Envy is the enemy of happiness
According to Buddhism, the root of suffering is neither the feeling of pain nor of sadness nor even of meaninglessness. Rather the real root of suffering is this never-ending and pointless pursuit of ephermal feelings, which causes us to be in a constant state of tension, restlessness and dissatisfaction. Due to this pursuit the mind is never satisfied. Even when experiencing pleasure, it is not content, because it fears this feeling might soon disappear, and craves that this feeling should stay and intensify.
How Can Mankind Be Happy ?
Happiness requires presence. A lot of unhappiness comes from comparing things from the past to free present. Memory and identity are burdens from the past preventing us from living freely in the present.
Happiness is not measured by the same set of universal parameters for all. For some, it’s contentment and satisfaction. For others it could be having things that they want in life.
Happiness is there when you remove the sense of something missing in life. It’s the absence of desire for external things.
People are liberated from suffering not when they experience this or that fleeting pleasure, but rather when they understand the impermanent nature of all their feelings, and stop craving them. This is the aim of Buddhist meditation practices.
In meditation you’re supposed to closely observe your mind and body, witness the ceasing arising and passing of all your feelings, and realise how pointless it is to pursue them. When the pursuit stops, the mind becomes very relaxed, clear and satisfied.
Happiness, love, and passion aren’t things you find – they are choices you make.
Like fitness and nutrition, happiness is a personal choice that can be practiced by following your own set of rules and techniques that make you happy.
