What is True Happiness and How to Differentiate It

That’s a question that has intrigued humanity since the dawn of consciousness. To grasp the essence of happiness, we must discern it from things that may appear similar but fall short of true happiness.

Consider the excitement surrounding technological advancements in history.

Remember the anticipation surrounding the first manned moon landing?

People were elated, believing they were witnessing an unprecedented historical milestone: a bold and monumental achievement that would expand the boundaries of knowledge and human exploration.

However, the initial excitement faded when they realized that, although impressive, this singular event did not radically transform everyday life or provide lasting happiness, despite feeling as jubilant as a lark at dawn.

What distinguishes happiness from subjective well-being?

The same as the genuine pursuit of wisdom differs from the mere acquisition of facts.

Having subjective well-being is better than nothing. Similarly, experiencing genuine happiness is preferable to its absence.

What is subjective well-being?

It’s the pleasure derived from meaningful relationships.

Here we are, in a vibrant community, surrounded by authentic relationships and mutual support: the social fabric that nourishes the soul and provides a sense of belonging and purpose. Subjective well-being.

Each person values it.

When you enjoy a heartfelt conversation that deepens a connection, your engagement doesn’t necessarily strengthen others’ relationships just by their witnessing it.

Our society deceives us by equating subjective well-being with happiness.

This belief fuels our self-centered existence, fixated on achievement, recognition, and success.

Have achievements?

Enjoy subjective well-being.

Enter a room and receive applause and acknowledgment. Have recognition? Have success? Better opportunities, material comforts, a prominent reputation.

Yet, this isn’t happiness.

Happiness is the joy of genuine connection.

Consequently, if it emanates from meaningful relationships, happiness is intrinsic, whereas subjective well-being is extrinsic. We’re so internally detached that we mistake external achievements for happiness. No, it’s subjective well-being.

It’s good, preferable to its absence.

It’s akin to having a supportive network versus feeling isolated.

How do we cultivate happiness? For me, happiness is inherently shared. I can’t experience it fully unless others participate in it. Subjective well-being doesn’t necessarily require sharing.

I can enjoy personal achievements alone. However, genuine happiness arises when I deeply care for others, nurturing relationships and fostering community, and say, ‘This moment is truly special.’

Its significance intensifies because I’m exceptionally happy in that moment.

A straightforward yet profound method to be happy: genuinely invest in meaningful relationships, empathetically tuning into others’ experiences and needs. Undertake actions not solely for personal gain (which is acceptable), but also for collective well-being.

As you depart for work or gatherings, refrain from the self-centered mindset of ‘What can I gain?’ or ‘What will I take away?’

Instead, consider ‘What can I contribute?’ or ‘What positive impact can I have?’ This shift exemplifies a new paradigm.

In our current worldview, personal gain is often equated with success.

However, in the happiness paradigm, nurturing connections and fostering community multiply joy.

Hence, we often experience the truth that ‘You receive more than you give.’

Although some may initially resist this idea, true understanding arrives when one invests in relationships without expectations, experiencing fulfillment and support from all directions.

Happiness, unlike well-being, adheres to distinct laws.

Subjective well-being conforms to societal norms, whereas happiness aligns with the laws of meaningful connection.

Cultivating genuine connections yields true happiness, akin to discovering the richness of a supportive community.

Conversely, adhering to societal standards offers fleeting rewards.

That’s the essence.