What Makes People Happy

Many people are culturally conditioned to believe that pleasure leads to happiness and that one should endure significant stress to achieve these pleasures, often at the cost of health, morals, and society. Let's explore some of the ideas we associate with happiness:

• Goals/Accomplishments - Having goals can motivate us to improve ourselves, but many of these goals focus on money, power, or control over others. Examples include starting a company or becoming a top athlete or musician. In pursuing these goals, we may intentionally harm others, cheat, lie, or exploit employees. The worst part is that we may develop a character that feels no guilt for these wrongdoings in the pursuit of our goals.

• Traveling - In modern times, we often equate traveling with happiness and boast about it. We visit places not to experience and learn but to gain influence or popularity by sharing on social media or for bragging rights among friends. To afford these trips, we stress ourselves to earn more money for just a few days of taking photos.

• Eating/Drinking - The current trend of indulgence in food and drink among the new generation is concerning. We often call ourselves "foodies" to justify overeating, ignoring whether it's beneficial to our health. Many indulge in drinking as a form of happiness, only to regret it when the adverse effects of alcohol appear later in life.

• Additionally, we often associate happiness with sex, overconsumption, and displaying status.

However, true happiness comes from within and grows when shared freely. Here are some avenues where people can find genuine happiness:

• Being disciplined about one's health, hobbies, family, and friends. A well-planned and executed day, without stressing over results, makes people happy as it involves less stress, focuses on important things, and allows time for friends and family.

• Providing free service to society based on one's qualifications. Once we achieve our goals, we should dedicate some of our time to serving our local community without expecting anything in return. This brings immense joy and happiness as it improves society as a whole. Start small and increase your efforts over time.

• Sharing wealth - Some people are blessed with considerable wealth due to their success. However, attachment to wealth can become a burden. By sharing wealth with honest, hardworking people, you will find your happiness increases exponentially as your fellow humans treat you with respect, motivating them in return. Beyond saving for family and future generations, one should share their remaining wealth with others for a better society.

• Live in the present - We often feel guilty about our past and anxious about our future. By taking retrospective actions and staying focused on the present moment, we can be much happier.

• Be content with what you have. We push ourselves to achieve goals and aspirations to fit into societal structures, forgetting to be grateful for what we have. There will always be people above and below you in achievements or social standing, so be happy with what you have.