Mind Shadows

Mind Shadows      Martin Seligman & Authentic Happiness Against Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Rind

If only you were rich, you'd be happy. Right? Or, if only you were like movie stars Brad Pitt or Cate Blanchett, you'd be happy. Why not? Money and a life of glamor or leisure would be the ticket to happiness--so many people think. This view stems from a popular conception that pleasure is the same as happiness. For that reason, a hedonic calculus is in order, one which seeks pleasure for its own sake while shunning negative feelings. This viewpoint is misguided according to Aristotle, who saw in Eudaimonia, or the Good Life, a means to happiness that is remote from the popular perspective. A contemporary psychologist has applied his own research to Aristotle's philosophy, and has come up with a guide to happiness that is designed for modern people. If life gives you lemons, make lemon peels--so goes one approach. That which is sour can be turned into meaning, which is better than pleasure. More.