Smiles Are Soul Food For Happy People

Summary

The article suggests that smiling, like an elderly gentleman's daily practice of smiling and waving at passing cars, can spread happiness and create a more joyful world, reflecting the idea that happiness multiplies when shared.

Abstract

The article "Smiles Are Soul Food For Happy People" uses the example of an elderly gentleman who greets every passing car with a smile and a wave, regardless of the response he receives, to illustrate the power of spontaneous happiness. It contrasts the natural joy of babies with the adult tendency to seek reasons for happiness, suggesting that this approach is counterintuitive. The man's actions are presented as a selfless act of spreading joy, unaffected by ego, and the article posits that such acts of happiness enrich not only the giver but also have the potential to fill the world with bliss.

Opinions

The author believes that adults overcomplicate happiness by looking for reasons to be happy, unlike babies who exhibit joy intuitively.
It is implied that sharing happiness, as demonstrated by the elderly gentleman, is a magical act that can double the feeling of happiness.
The article suggests that the elderly gentleman's lack of expectation for a response to his smiles and waves is a noble trait, indicating that his happiness is pure and self-sustaining.
The author expresses a desire for a world where more people emulate the elderly gentleman's behavior, creating a collective atmosphere of joy and contentment.

Why don’t we all sprinkle smiles around like confetti?

Babies don’t need a reason to smile.

They bubble up with intuitive happiness.

As adults, we try to rationalise and ration it.

We look for reasons to be happy.

Isn’t that counter intuitive? 🧐

I see an elderly gentleman as I drive to work every day.

He uses a walker and takes one cautious step after another.

Never ever does he fail to smile and wave at each passing car.

Some see him and wave back. Some don’t.

But, he doesn’t reserve his smile or his wave only for the responsive.

Ego doesn’t win with him.

I believe he goes back home filled with happiness to the core because isn’t happiness the magical thing that doubles when shared?

Imagine a world full of such happy people!

Bliss!