We all know that happiness is important. After all, I think most of us would agree that we strive for purpose, meaning, and happiness in our lives. This speaker, from the excellent TED series of talks, makes an argument for the importance of happiness in our lives not as a result of achieving our goals, but rather as a prerequisite for doing good work and leading enjoyable and meaningful lives. It is a quite different way of thinking about happiness than the “normal” way.
I like that he gives ways in which to cultivate some happiness in our days at the end of his presentation. Though they seem simple and perhaps easily dismissible as too simplistic, give them a chance. Cultivating happiness doesn’t have to be an arduous task. In fact, if it feels that way it is probably causing unhappiness.
I hope you enjoy this talk and can put some of his suggestions to use.
Oh, and he’s written a book too:
