Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define?  What factors are important in achieving happiness?

Some of us are depressed because we are “unhappy”. We work hard, refrain ourselves from amusements and diversions, in the pursuit of happiness. But what does it mean to be “happy”? And what are the most important factors in achiveing happiness? I will summarise my thinkings regarding these two questions here.

 “Happiness” is hard to define because we always want more than we already have. When I was five years old, I thought I would be happy if a 12-inches diameter cake would have been placed in front of me before I wake up. But I am still unhappy while I could afford more cake than I can eat. Now I think that more money than I can spend is crucile for a happy life. I tried to be poor and happy, but it is really difficult, actually impossible. I would want a harmonious family, consisting of beautful wife and lovely kids, when I finaly got enough money stashed away, I suppose. Maybe what is indispensible from a “happy” life is the Blue Fairy, who would help us to instantaneously get whatever we want. Blue Fairy does not exist, and that is why “Happiness” is hard to define.

 So the most important factor in achieving happiess, so at least it seems to me, is selflessness. We should make our interests gradually wider and more impersonal, until bit by bit, the walls of ego recede, and our life become merged in the universal life. An individual huamn existance should be like a river, rushing passionately past boulders and over waterfalls, irrigating the fameland along the way, and enjoying the views across the banks. The man who can see his life in this way will enjoy what he already have, not have the dreary commitment to material things and love of comfort.

 In conclusion, selflessness is the most important factor in achieving “happiness”. We need to learn to enjoy what we already have and to try our best to help the disoppessed around us, in order to comprehend the meaning of our lives,and the purpose of our existance.