DO PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HAPPY OR SHOULD THEY HAVE TO EARN IT?
Happiness is one thing that all human beings desire. It is that which relieves us of unwanted stress and makes us feel fulfilled and blessed.
Some people have actually claimed that being happy or not is a matter of choice. I still find it hard to understand and properly capture what they mean by 'choice'. Is it the case that we have the power to choose to be Happy or not? Are these people indirectly denying natural realities that we have absolutely no control over?
In psychology, happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by, among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Source
As human beings, can we be happy without having to put in the much needed work? Having money, cars, jewelries, getting what you need every time and living comfortably in your own house can foster a happy life. These are possible via work or hard work. Our ability to earn or make good cash can help boost a happy life.
A philosophical twist to the question is what if our happiness comes at the cost of others’ happiness? Can we truly be happy knowing we have hurt someone?
A clearer picture would be a situation an individual killed a fellow human being to claim his property. Or a situation where you rob another man of his hard earned money so that you can live the life of luxury you wished for. In any case, this would mean your happiness was founded on their own sadness and you are 'happy' because you forcefully took that which you did not work for.
With this act, you have thrown that family into sadness. They will likely face hardship from your single act. How happy would you be knowing you threw a particular household into an agony?
If someone becomes happy by similar means, should the happiness be regarded as happiness? Perhaps yes, if we are to go by the 'choice' argument stated earlier which suggests that anything goes (provided you are happy in the end).
Can it also be argued that it is a right? That is, we have the right to be happy? If it is a right, how come not many people are happy?
We also need to define what we mean by being happy because some people are happy by simply watching others sad.
Is happiness a right, is it a choice or is it earned? What do you think?
I think everyone should be happy , but I don’t always think it’s a choice .... can a person who just lost a loved one be happy ? Can a person who is in pain physically be happy ? Can a person who has been abused be happy ? Sometimes things and people around us effect our happiness .... if I die can my kids be happy at that moment ?
You have a good point! I also believe we deserve to be happy too. It is not also a matter of choice for me too!
I think as long as you are a good person , you deserve to be happy .... and I’m a firm believer in do on to others as you want done to you .
I believe happiness is the wisest decision to take. Staying happy is definitely a choice. You can decide to do things that will generate happiness which adds value to you. That's my perspective. No matter what, always see things from the bright side. Thank you
There are some factors that determine our happiness. Accident, loss of loved ones and other things make sure we are unhappy. It is beyond 'a matter of choice' for me. You can choose to be happy but 'choosing' doesn't mean you are happy. Many fake happiness by 'choosing' to be happy.
Thank you for time.
I think happiness is a 'divine right'... but it shouldn't be priority 1; I think 'meaning' should be.. and a meaningful life has to be earned through proper action... and mostly, having meaning leads to happiness... so I reckon it's a bit of both :)
Smiles! This is a middle ground position but you clearly have a point. Thank you.
I read your post and i like it very much, so i write a post in italian to answer to you.
Thanks for the inspiration ^_^
(sorry for my poor english)