Two Aspects of Happiness
According to Dr. Waldinger, "there are two main types of happiness: hedonic well-being and eudaimonic happiness." The former is associated with immediate joyful moments and pleasures.For example, right now we are having a pleasant conversation, and I feel really good.Emotions, he says, can fluctuate throughout the day. At the same time, eudaimonic happiness represents a deeper sense of life satisfaction and meaning, even when individual days are challenging. Most people strive for both types of happiness: joy in the moment and long-term inner fulfillment.
The Illusion of Success
Dr. Waldinger notes that many continue to believe that happiness comes with success, wealth, or social recognition. However, research data shows the opposite."You can be successful and wealthy, but that does not guarantee happiness," he says. "Many people who have received prestigious awards fall into depression when they realize that it hasn't made them happy."
The scholar asserts that society has become a victim of the myth: "If I become rich or famous, I will be happy." But in practice, such a scenario rarely works out.
The Path to Happiness Through Habits
Dr. Waldinger is convinced that happiness can be cultivated: "It is not random, but we can make ourselves more open to its emergence."While constant happiness cannot be guaranteed, conditions can be created to increase it. "We cannot be happy all the time, but we can integrate things into our lives that make it more likely," he adds, emphasizing the importance of social connections and caring for others.
Meditation, gratitude, and spiritual practices help people recognize the value of their lives and strengthen their connection with others.
Happiness and Family Ties
Classic notions of happiness do not always align with modern scientific data. In response to Leo Tolstoy's famous statement about happy and unhappy families, Dr. Waldinger offers a different perspective."I disagree with Tolstoy," he asserts. "On the contrary, unhappy families and couples exhibit typical patterns of behavior. Their negative emotions are predictable, and their reactions are similar."
Isolation in the Modern World
Modernity brings new challenges. According to Dr. Waldinger, the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the essence of happiness but exacerbated social isolation.While social media can help maintain connections, passively observing the lives of others can negatively affect one's perception of their own happiness, as people usually share only positive moments, creating an illusion of an ideal life.
This leads to the thought that everyone around is doing well, while we are not.Robert Waldinger recommends using digital platforms for active communication.
Advice for the Younger Generation
Modern youth face significant economic uncertainty, which heightens anxieties about the future. Community plays a key role here."A healthy life is easier among loved ones than alone," he concludes, noting that social connections can help in finding jobs and housing.
By promoting happiness as a primary benchmark for progress, the UN is transforming the understanding of this concept. Through sustainable development programs, humanitarian initiatives, efforts to combat poverty, and ensuring access to education and healthcare, the UN helps create conditions for a safer and happier life for people. The expert emphasizes that it is about creating a just society where everyone has a chance for a decent existence and well-being.
Dr. Waldinger's main advice for the international community is to listen to voices that remind us of our community and not succumb to fear and division.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmghERCpR3I.
