...The Pursuit of Happiness Andrew Roberts PSY/220 June 9, 2013 The Pursuit of Happiness The Pursuit of Happiness for one person is different for that of another person. The same goes for those of different cultures. It could be the traditions in how they are brought up as children and what they are taught to believe at an early age. In America we are continually told about the American Dream which is the portrait of the perfect family in a Norman Rockwell painting, the perfect job, the house with the white picket fence and no problems where everybody looks happy and acts as if they are happy; this would be a stereotype of what happiness looks like. Is this true happiness? Not really for very few of us ever achieve all of these things and I am 48 years old and if I waited to be happy until I had these things I never would be happy. Happiness is a state of mind of little things that make us happy with our lives each and every day. For some of us like myself it is just waking up in the morning and thanking god that I have another day to see this beautiful world we live in and the chance to spend another day on this earth clean and sober. This is a perfect example of the American culture, which is more self- determination, looking out for our wellbeing, getting to know ourselves and reaching for our own goals, and positive self-esteem and confidence. In recent years American children have now been encouraged to show their emotions and take pride in their accomplishments. We...
Words: 773 - Pages: 4
...particularly in topic as important as the pursuit of happiness. Happiness has always been an undying topic of many civilizations. For many philosophers, being happy is the purpose of living. The following part of essay is going to discuss what...
Words: 1352 - Pages: 6
...Is the pursuit of happiness the most important goal in life or is it just selfish? I once was told that the average person thinks about happiness at least twice a day. It's only 9pm and I can already tell you that I've been happy and unhappy many times today. If I asked a group of people what they wanted most out of their lives for themselves or their family, whether for tomorrow or the rest of your life, most people would say happiness. Some might say money, but only because they think money will make them happy. Yes, money can buy things that will provide you with brief happiness, but for true happiness, I believe, you have to be focused on it for the majority of your life. Aristotle once said, "Human happiness is so important it transcends all other worldly considerations." If the meaning of life was to be completely one hundred percent happy; forget about all your goals and plans, the only thing you have to attempt to do is to be happy: happy in your life, your relationships, your family, your home, your job... but then of course you would only have a job and a family because they make you happy by providing money, a social group and companionship. It is interesting that seeking personal satisfaction in every aspect of our lives seems unrealistic. Isn’t that what life is about? We are on this Earth for a finite amount of time, time which we can never regain no matter how hard we try & for no amount of money. Each moment that slips by is another moment gone. Why...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Pursuit of Happiness Stacy A. Figg PSY/220 June 22, 2014 Christopher Crimson Pursuit of Happiness What does happiness mean? It depends on the person, the cultural influences, and the part of the world in which they live. It also depends on the traditions and the individual’s way of thinking. For many, happiness can mean being loyal to their country, the ability to provide and contribute to their household. Others may be starting their lives and graduating from high school and going to college. There are many factors to how each person will influence and is influenced by those around them. In the United States we are taught about the American Dream. It’s the portrait of the perfect family, the perfect job, and the home with the white picket fence. Studies have shown that when American people were asked what the meaning of happiness is, their responses were going to school, finishing college, getting married, and self-success. These responses are evident that in American culture, self- determination and looking out for their wellbeing, and achieving their goals create positive self-esteem and confidence. “The influence of culture is suggested by the different relationship between income and SWB across countries” (Baumgardner & Crothers, 2009, p.11). These factors were the main target of what people in America have in mind of what happiness means to each different person. For others it could be to help those in need, serving their country, or be...
Words: 759 - Pages: 4
...Pursuit of Happiness Happiness is state well being characterized by emotion ranging from contentment to intense joy. In the movie the pursuit of happiness Will Smith is left with his son and struggles to get by day to day with him. Through all of that Will Smith is still managed to be a happy person. In the movie he tries to get a job and became a professional endeavour without having any education. He worked so hard that he finally got the job and was the happiest moment for him. It was very touching and movie, with some mild profanity. It also teaches people a lesson on how fortunate they really are, and you should appreciate what you have. It shows that anything is possible if you put your mind into it and work hard. This movie is inspiring. It gives hope to those struggling, and shows the wonderful relationship between a father and son. I also like the message of showing a strong father figure. Through the movie “the pursuit of happiness” I have learned to think about how to pursuit of happiness. The movie recorded a real life of Chris Garden. By facing many difficult in life; finally, he overcame all and became a business man. When I watched this movie, three points in this movie I have influenced are; father can do everything for his children, if we got a dream and we have got to protect it, and don’t ever let somebody tell you that you can’t do something. First of all, all fathers will always try his best in order to bring a better life for his children. Mostly though...
Words: 562 - Pages: 3
...The Pursuit of Happiness Jun Xi Zhou DeVry University The Pursuit of Happiness I would like to comment on a movie called “The Pursuit of Happiness”. It is based on a true story of the famous self-made millionaire Chris Gardner. When I saw this movie, I thought it might be another old story of inspiring people to stick to their dreams, nothing new. But I decided to watch it for the reason that it stars Will Smith who was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor because of his performance in this movie. I believe that a good movie must have a good plot, wonderful acting, and the most important thing is the audience’s feeling when they have finished watching the movie. I expect the movie to give me the strength and let me feel happiness. Protagonist of the story is the American black’s investment expert Chris Gardner. Film tells a bankrupt salesman through their unremitting efforts, finally become famous financier of the inspirational story. The most important thing is that what people will know and what are people’s feelings after they have watched the movie. When watching the film I was considering whether to continue to go to college, and I don't know direction. I considered whether I should continue to pursue my dream. After I finished watching, I found that unlike a usual success story, this movie is realistic because there are many failures, defeats and missed opportunities before success happens. An important clue in the film is the change...
Words: 838 - Pages: 4
...Pursuit of Happiness PSY/220 June 16th, 2013 Pursuit of Happiness The cultural and historical factors of the pursuit of happiness in America has to do with the declaration of independence which was written on July 4th 1776 the famous phrase is "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” This phrase gives examples of the various "unalienable rights" which the Declaration says all human beings have been given by their Creator and for the protection of which they institute governments. It is also the American dream and what the United States was built upon. For many happiness may mean being loyal to their country, bringing honor to their home, others might be graduating from high school and going to college, there are many factors to how each one will influence each person. It is important to note that the way happiness is portrayed for example in the United States, immigrants that come into the country to chase the American Dream including those from the United States. The portrait of the perfect family, the perfect job, and no problems to worry about keep everybody looking happy; this would be a stereotype of what happiness looks like. Studies have been conducted about the cultural factors of happiness and American people were asked what brings them happiness? The American people’s responses were going and finishing college, getting married, and the pursuit of self-success. In American culture there are unique internal attributes that distinguish Americans from others...
Words: 758 - Pages: 4
...In the Pursuit of Happiness RaMonica L. Whitfield Kaplan University In the Pursuit of Happiness All citizens have the unalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but what happens when a citizen commits a heinous act such as murder? Should the pursuit of their happiness be granted even though they took the life of another? Are we as a society to take their feelings into consideration and grant them the right to live their life as they wish? A major issue within the United States is the healthcare programs for inmates. One of the largest disputes when it comes to medical treatments/surgeries within the penal system is the sexual reassignment of inmates with gender dysphoria. It is reported that as of 2007 there are 750 inmates that are requesting gender reassignment surgeries (Brotheim, 2013). If polled today, some would say that a gender reassignment surgery at the tax payer’s expense is a frivolous waste of money. Some might even become infuriated at the thought of a non-law abiding citizen, one that has been deemed by society as someone who should be removed from the general public, most definitely does not deserve to receive this surgery. The states should not be liable to conduct gender reassignment surgeries for inmates with gender dysphoria, because of cost, the uncertainty that of the curability of this disorder, safety of the incarcerated offender and the moral dilemma of punishment versus privilege. Gender Dysphoria-...
Words: 2200 - Pages: 9
...The Pursuit of Happiness Should people leave their countries? This is a question that all of us need to concentrate on in our society to answer it. A young man who had a fight with his father decides to leave home to be independent. A person who fails in love goes to another country to start his life over again. Even some for inexplicable reasons want to live abroad to pursue their dreams. There are many other stories all around the world that have been mentioned in the newspapers, magazines or even TV shows. Whatever reason that makes them emigrate, they all end up having one thing in common, which is to be happy. Human beings were created to live together peacefully and worship God in this world. People should live in balance and have the rights to follow their instincts for better opportunities. There are many countries all over the world, and each one has its own special culture. Some countries have become very developed while others haven’t yet. For this reason, some people decide to go to foreign countries to have better prospects and opportunities. Among many places, the United States of America is one of the most desired countries. In the article “Can the American Dream Be Continued?” Don Tow claims, “The U.S. is a country full of opportunities, and they are there for your taking if you are willing to work toward it. This reputation is what attracted so many millions of people from all over the world to come to this country during the last 200 years, especially during...
Words: 2065 - Pages: 9
...The pursuit of happiness and the cultural divide Debra Poole PSY/220 May 25, 2014 Michelle Culmer The pursuit of happiness and the cultural divide 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 (Declaration of Independence, 1776). We have believed in this motto or creed since before these words were put down on paper and to this day we still hold the pursuit of happiness as one of our most basic and fundamental rights. Through our history we have defended our right to live our lives according to what we believe makes us happy and free. Driven by a need to live our lives according to our own plan without dictates from others in a dizzying pursuit of happiness whatever that may be for each individual. Happiness is not something that can be generalized because what makes you happy may not make your neighbor happy, so let’s take a look at the differences that exist in the pursuit of happiness. The United States has been categorized as an individualistic society where the needs and wants of the individual are as important, if not more, than the society as a whole. This can be demonstrated by the countless competitions we as a society hold where there is only one winner, not a team. We believe as a society that hard work will be rewarded with happiness in the form of success whether in business, sports, entertainment...
Words: 856 - Pages: 4
...Case 1- The Pursuit of Happiness: Flexibility 3-5. I think that flexible work arrangements can succeed depending on the type of work task that a business performs. Especially if the business is mainly female workplace, those individuals will benefit from the flexibility. As I read earlier in the text, employers should know their employers, and look at the absentism and what may have stooped the work load from getting complete at a reasonable time. Certain jobs draw different people for different reasons, and flexibility may be one of them. I believe if a business offer flex hours, it will draw the type of people that will need flexibility in the work place. People who are in college, newly married, new moms, single parents, men/women that have families are types of people who may be looking for flexibility in the work world. 3-16. “A recent European study indicated that job satisfaction is positively correlated with life satisfaction, in that you attitudes and experiences in life spill over into your job approaches and experiences” (O.B.). Flexability on the job may give individuals the satisfaction they need in the event that their kids may have to go to the doctor, dentist or even get sick. Individuals will be able to attend to those situations and still be able to complete task at a later time and in a different environment. If you have a sick family member, you can sit with them and still do your work in a timely manner and the business can continue to live up to it’s standard...
Words: 485 - Pages: 2
...Pursuit of Happiness PSY/220 Chelsea Holloman October, 25, 2015 Erika Chomina Carter According to Baumgardner and Crother, the authors of the book Positive Psychology, the American emphasis on the pursuit of happiness is focused mainly upon each individual’s idea of happiness. Being happy, having a positive attitude, and feeling good about the self are central values in American culture. The pursuit of happiness is described in the Declaration of Independence as an inalienable right. In a society that offers abundant opportunities and considerable individual freedom, people are encouraged to make life choices based on what makes them happy and satisfied. What makes Americans happy is heavily influenced by their culture’s individualistic model of self. Consistent with the SWB conception, happiness in America is an individual’s subjective judgment about his or her own life. Happiness is both subjective and individualized, in that the basis of judgment reflects the person’s unique personal makeup and his or her own idiosyncratic criteria. (Baumgardner & Crother, 2009, p. 118.) Americans have what is referred to as an individualistic style of happiness. Although it is possible for groups of Americans to have similar interests, the goals that we set for ourselves that lead us to our happiness are unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint. We can have similar desires with different reasoning for them or different desires with similar reasoning for...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
...Pursuit of Happiness Happiness is a word that is known for its insightful meaning. It is something that everyone wishes for and hopes would happen to them at one point in their lives. I am also a person strives and dreams for this picture of perfection. In my imagination I find happiness as waking up in the morning and getting into my dream car and driving to work at a big successful company. I would picture myself dressed in formal attire wearing an expensive tie and a crisply ironed suit while also getting bonuses every single year. Once I can see picture myself in my dream world, I strive each and every day to work towards that dream goal. I believe that once I reach the highest point of success that is when I will truly believe that I am happy. When I was younger and I dreamed of these goals, but because of my age the best thing I could do at the moment is to fulfill my task as a student and achieve the highest point of educational success. Although I tried to be a straight A student, my success was mediocre. In order to continue to reach my goal I went to extra tutoring hours so that I would be able to improve in the subjects that I was struggling with. With the help from a close friend, I was able to meet with a professor who had plans of opening his own Mathematics Institute. The professor asked me to help around the office and in exchange he would tutor me without any charge. When I went back to school my friends were very surprised with my improvement, they wanted...
Words: 1093 - Pages: 5
...Film showing "Pursuit of happyness" paper The pursuit of happyness was mainly a movie about a hardworking father that is trying to give all the best for his son. As for selling processes, the salesperson forms a working relationship with his customers to be able to connect with the customer on a more personal level in order to know what kind of things they like, and how to approach them when they are to sell something. Also, I have learned that no matter how hard things get, I should always find a way to look at the brighter side of life and try harder to escape the misfortune that I am in; and that if I do my best, it will all pay off in the end. Another thing that I would like to point out in the movie is when Will Smith, whilst dialing the numbers of people during his internship, didn't put the handset back in the cradle. This to me was a symbol to not waste time, to do the work efficiently and to not spend time and extra work by putting it back. I also realized that by not showing buyers the personal feelings that you currently feel, and instead act like everything is okay, it may be more of plus since they won't be scared if you are tense while presenting a product. Customers would want a salesperson to be confident, and when they see otherwise, it may be more of a reason to turn you down. Also, as a student, having my parents alongside me is a reason why I never give up, to do my best. So that one day, I can give them a life they deserve, like Will smith did for his...
Words: 293 - Pages: 2
...Plato, Euthyphro 1. What charges is Euthyphro bringing against his father? Euthyphro is charging is father with murder. Does it seem to you like Euthyphro has a reasonable case? Explain No because Euthyphro did not know the meaning from piety to impiety, he did not really have a statement to charge his farther with murder... 2. Pay attention to tone. How would you describe Socrates’ tone in the first part of this dialogue? You may need to come back to this one after you have read the whole thing. Socrates tone of voice started passive but then it started getting heavy after he found out that Euthyphro did know he was talking about. 3. What are the four definitions of piety/holiness that Euthyphro tries to give to Socrates? (Some interpreters say there are five, what do YOU think?) Euthyphro states that the following means Piety- prosecuting anyone who is guilty of murder, sacrilege, or of any similar crime. Then he goes on by saying that God love is pious and holy, and the opposite, which they all hate, impious. I think the fifth definition Euthyphro states is that piety is what is dear to the gods and impiety is that which is not dear to gods... 4. How does Socrates respond to each of these answers? Socrates stated all the gods hate is impious, and what they love pious or holy; and what some of them love and others hate is both or neither he was trying to say does not mean that is the definition of piety and impiety. Socrates you knew there was a difference between words...
Words: 1156 - Pages: 5
