Happy Hour II

Went to a panel discussion on happyiness and here are my notes from that day.

Dr. Lloyd, a philosopher, pointed out not to confuse happiness with contentment. She tried to explain that being human is the highest plain of existence and we don’t want to go lower. She seemed to reflect a sort of Buddhist mentality of human being the highest level of existence before one can reach nirvana. She ranked a dissatisfied pig as lower than a dissatisfied human.

Dr. Gustafson from the English department talked about the history of the United States and the guaranteed right to pursue happiness. Ironically, the original saying was not “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” When Locke published his book he was concerned with “life, liberty, and estate.” Meaning, Locke felt property was a natural right. This fact has always fascinated me personally. The Declaration of Independence has brought a new meaning to what the originator had intended.

Dr. Lindsey mentioned the Harvard happiness class and Dr. Seligman as well. She talked about the meaning of authentic happiness.

Dr. Redekopp was, I felt, the most unusual speaker for the panel. He explained that so much of society is geared towards achievement and not geared towards happiness, or a better word, joy. He said that when he lived in Ghana the people didn’t have many material positions but the possessed joy. He said that achievement should be balanced with joy, especially long term joy.

The last speaker was Dr. Lamy of the international relations school. I haven’t had a chance to experience Dr. Lamy but as an IR minor, I’ve heard great things. I enjoyed his discussion the most too. He had jokes and spoke very frankly. He says his job is to try and educate the people around him. Most of the time this just leads people to be unhappy. He reiterated the age old saying that ignorance is bliss. He talked about how the world is happiest when there is security and empire not by humanitarian missions or solving global problems. This was interesting because we would like to think that humanity is the most calm when the individuals in it are happy. Yet most people wouldn’t call being under the eye of the government or being under tyranny as a happy time.