What is Happiness? 10 Definitions of Happiness

20080707

Happiness is something everyone wants to have. You may be successful and have a lot of money, but without Happiness it will be meaningless.

That's why I'm excited with this month's theme of Happiness. We will discuss this topic all month long and I'm sure we will learn a lot. But, before we move further, it's a good idea to get deeper understanding of the word happiness itself. Understanding what Happiness is will give us good ground upon which to build our discussions.

Let me start with an official definition. According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, here is the definition of Happiness: a state of well-being and contentment， a pleasurable or satisfying experience

This definition is a good starting point and we can dig deeper from it. The best way to do that is to consult some of the greatest minds in history. So I researched what these people say about Happiness and found 10 essential definitions. Each of them has deep meaning. Take your time to absorb it.

Here they are:

1. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi

2. Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. Any Rand

3. Happiness is something that you are and it comes from the way you think. Wayne Dyer

4. Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere, wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation.

William H. Sheldon

5. Happiness is not a reward - it is a consequence. Robert Ingersoll

6. Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing. George Sheehan

7. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. Aristotle

8. Happiness is not something you experience, it's something you remember. Oscar Levant

9. Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling. Margaret Lee Runbeck

10. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. Denis Waitley

All in all, I would say that happiness is a decision. Your Happiness is your decision to make. All the quotes above require actions on our part and actions require decisions.

So what do you think?

What is Happiness?
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