The secret of happiness
Here it is, in one word: detach.
Detach from what, you might ask. In answer, I would point out that though most people think “money is the root of all evil,” the actual quote is that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” I think we can all understand that in light of the big investment firms’ mendacity, for which we all are paying.
So desire for money, status, things, feelings or people is the root of unhappiness. Detaching from desires doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like to have a humongo flat-screen TV or a new sports car; it means you take a good look at your desire for it and decide that rather than a desperate feeling of need, it can simply be a preference. So if it comes to you, you’ll be happy. If not, you won’t be miserable.
I would prefer to have a new car, but the one I have is okay. I would prefer that that person adore me, but if s/he doesn’t, I’ll still be okay.
Downgrading desires to preferences is the way out of constant feelings of need and deprivation. It is the secret of lasting happiness.
So now you know. Pass it on.
Here’s something else, from a psychiatric journal article:
“Materialism is toxic for happiness,” says University of Illinois psychologist Ed Diener. Even rich materialists aren’t as happy as those who care less about getting and spending.”
Hmm.
