Thinking about Happiness

“Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” ~ Aristotle (Greek philosopher. 384 BC-322 BC)

Writing Response: According to Aristotle, happiness is the only thing that really matters. Everything we do in life is to find happiness. It’s the meaning of life and our whole goal. Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Explain your answer with solid reasons. Use examples to support your ideas.

“The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.” ~ Benjamin Franklin (American Founding Father. 1706-1790)

Class Discussion: Consider the following line from the Declaration of Independence:We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

When Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, he didn’t know that the second sentence of the document would become the best-known sentence in the English language and possibly the most important words ever written in American history. This sentence declares that all citizens have three basic human rights : Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. What do each of these rights refer to? Rank the three human rights in order of importance. Which do you think is most important? Explain. Why do you think the Founding Fathers included Happiness as a human right? In this quote by Benjamin Franklin, what is the difference between “pursuing” and “catching.” People talk about “finding” happiness, like it is a treasure hidden that we have to seek out. Franklin says you have to “catch” it. What is the difference between “finding,” “seeking,” and “catching.” Which best matches up with your belief about happiness?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi (Considered Father of India, political leader. 1869-1948)

Class Discussion: Is Scrooge happy, according to Gandhi‘s definition of happiness? According to Gandhi, if your thoughts, words and actions all line up or in agreement, then you have found happiness. Let’s test Gandhi’s words against Scrooge’s words, thoughts, and actions at the beginning of the play to see if he’s happy.

What does Scrooge think about his role or responsibility toward mankind and the especially the poor in London?

What does he say to the charitable workers when they come and ask him to make a small donation to the poor?

How does he treat his employee Cratchit or the little boy who sings outside his door?

Writing Response: After comparing Scrooge to Gandhi’s definition of happiness, do you agree or disagree with Gandhi. Write an email to Gandhi telling him whether or not you agree with his definition on happiness. Use examples from The Christmas Carol or other experiences you have had to prove your points.

“If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have a paradise in a few years.”~ Bertrand Russell (British philosopher, mathematician, historian, and logician. 1872-1970)

Partner Work: Discuss Russell’s message about happiness with a partner. What is he saying about people and their pursuit of happiness? Now, rewrite this quote into your own words.

Class Discussion: This is a pretty cynical look at people and their desires and motivations. Based on your experiences, do you agree with Russell’s viewpoint on people or disagree? Give examples to illustrate your point.

“When a thoughtful human being has overcome vice and is aware of having done his bitter duty, he finds himself in a state that could be called happiness, a state of contentment and peace of mind in which virtue is its own reward.”

~ Immanuel Kant (German philosopher. 1724-1804)Partner Discussion The words virtue and vice are antonyms. With a partner, discuss what these words might mean, using the context clues in this quote. Be prepared to explain what you think and how you arrived at that conclusion.

Class Discussion : According to Kant, how is the “thoughtful human being” able to find happiness? What is happiness? What is the reward you get from happiness? How is virtue a reward? Do you agree with Kant’s philosophy on happiness? Is the ultimate goal of happiness really contentment, peace and virtue?

“Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.”

~ Oscar Wilde (Irish writer and poet. 1854-1900)

Writing Prompt: Think about this quote in comparison to The Christmas Carol. Choose two characters from the book- who fit the two descriptions in this quote: one character who causes happiness wherever he/she goes and another who causes happiness whenever he/she goes. Compare the two characters you have chosen and explain how they fit Oscar Wilde’s description of happiness. Don’t forget you need specific examples or lines from the play to prove your points.

“Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” ~ Groucho Marx (American comedian and film star. 1890-1977)

Thinking Prompt: How does this quote compare or contrast with Scrooge’s attitude. What does Groucho Marx mean when he says “Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today . . .”

“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?~ Albert Einstein (German theoretical physicist. 1879-1955)

Writing Prompt: Answer Einstein’s question. Do you agree that a table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin bring happiness? If you do, then write an argument proving Einstein’s claim. You should provide at least two sentences of explanation or logical reasoning for each item you choose.

If you do not, write your own list of things (at least four) that bring happiness, providing support for the things you think should replace Einstein’s list. You should provide at least two sentences of explanation or logical reasoning for each item you choose.

Within the Declaration of Independence it says that we, as citizens of the U.S., have certain unalienable rights: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. So does this mean that everyone deserves happiness simply because they live and breathe? What about those that don’t actively pursue it? What about those who do nothing to contribute to their own happiness? Do they deserve to be happy as much as those who seek out happiness every day? What do you think?