Philosophical Ramblings

Happiness is a word we often hear. It is associated with a sense of contentment, a feeling of confidence in one’s self or others. It is associated commonly with the expression of a smile, which can seldom be hidden from view, even when not directly seen. Perhaps happiness is difficult to describe precisely because it is a feeling that one has, and it means different things to different persons. There are also different approaches to happiness, based upon different understandings of what constitutes the content of joy and how to attain it. How then are we to understand happiness? 

In our culture, it seems that we have become driven to seek happiness in the pursuit of wealth or luxury. In a recent speech conveyed to thousands of young pilgrims at World Youth Day in Sydney, Pope Benedict XVI reflected upon the notion of the ‘false gods’ of earthly wealth and earthly power. The Pontiff stated:

“False ‘gods’, whatever name, shape or form we give them, are nearly always associated with the worship of three things: material possessions, possessive love, or power. … How many voices in our materialist society tell us that happiness is to be found by acquiring as many possessions and luxuries as we can! But this is to make possessions into a false god.”

How alluring is the prospect that some possession of earthly wealth or glory will fill the void deep within our hearts? How alluring is the false hope that perhaps with money, fame or self-gratification shall come some vestige of happiness? Dispelling such notions, such illusory hope, Helen Keller once wisely said, “True happiness… is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity a worthy purpose.”

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus reflects on the notion of these false gods. He states, “Do not store riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store riches for yourselves in heaven.” (Mt. 6:19-20) Jesus’ advice to store riches in heaven encourages one to seek something beyond the confines of this world. According to this understanding, furthermore, all earthly wealth and fame will ultimately shrivel and fade in the passing of time. I believe Italian poet Dante Alighieri describes this when he writes that “Worldly renown is naught but a breath of wind, which now comes this way and now comes that, and changes name because it changes quarter.” It is the understanding that earthly wealth shall rust and decay in the mists of time, and ultimately, how shall we ever take such wealth with us into the here-after? Even in the grave, precious metals rust and their meaning disintegrates. What worth are they now?

To demonstrate how earthly wealth and pleasures are temporal and fading, the Pontiff recalls the parable of the Prodigal Son. He comments on how the young man who sought “the illusory pleasures promised by false ‘gods’ … squandered his inheritance on a life of indulgence, and ended up in abject poverty and misery.” In this illustration, it is clear what results of appealing to a false and illusory hope that material possessions will somehow fill the void in one’s heart.

What is true happiness then? What are the riches of the Kingdom which Christ bids us to seek? What then can fill one’s heart? Perhaps it is, as Keller said, “fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Certainly, Jesus teaches that

“Happy are those who are meek, for they shall inherit the earth;
Happy are those who are merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;
Happy are those who are pure of heart, for they shall see God;
Happy are those who are peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God;”
(Mt. 5:7-11),

And happy are those who are persecuted because they seek what is right. Perhaps these are the riches of heaven – the simple intention of good will, to give and to love. Love which St. Augustine exclaimed is “the beauty of the soul.” Love, giving love, which St. Paul remarked is long-suffering, and yet paradoxically almost, love rejoices when it suffers. It suffers with joy for it knows that it suffers for a worthy purpose. Life is not so much about avoiding suffering, but rather suffering for a worthy purpose. For when one suffers for a worthy purpose one suffers happily. This stands in stark contrast to when one suffers for nothing or for something which will ultimately pass, rust, fade or fall to ruin.

I cannot claim that I have not myself been allured by illusory hopes in material possessions. I am guilty of it. Far often I have fallen into the trap of consuming extravagances, assuming that it will offer me a deep sense of happiness and fill a void. However, my hope is to return to this contemplative piece, to add to my understanding and to remind myself of what really matters – In the end, fame and wealth on this earth are of no significance. What matters lies in the heart. And only God can judge a person’s heart.

Bryan Patterson, in his piece Happiness without the drugs, featured in the Sunday Herald Sun on January 20, 2008, offers the same interesting perspective of what authentic happiness and success is. He writes, “The secret was realising happiness did not derive from wealth, power, learning, indulgence or even religiosity, but from living fully in the moment, becoming a ‘good’ human and risking the pain of giving ourselves to what matters. Life is a continuing challenge to be lived day by day.”

Authentic happiness, as Christ has revealed, does not come from the absence of suffering, nor from indulging in earthly wealth and fame, but rather from suffering for a worthy purpose, for a heavenly purpose, and seeking the riches of the Kingdom that lies beyond the confines of the cave of shadows. Authentic happiness does not depend on the magnitude of a person’s actions, but rather the intention, passion and love behind them. Authentic happiness comes from living fully in the present and maintaining fidelity to a worthy purpose.