哈佛大學最受歡迎的「幸福學」

比「正義課」更熱門的哈佛大學「幸福課」教授 Tal Ben-Shahar 在 Happier 一書裡談到，問我們自己 “Am I happy? (我快樂嗎?)” 這個問題，對我們毫無幫助 (The question is not helpful.)

為什麼呢？因為這個問題已經將答案二元化 (It is a closed question that suggests a binary approach to the pursuit of the good life: we are either happy or we are not.) ，並將「快樂」「幸福」看成一個「終點」、一個可定義的節點。

教授談到，”How can I become happier?” (我能怎麼樣更快樂) 才是更正確的問題。沒有人永遠都是快樂、滿足的。 “No person experiences perfect bliss at all times and has nothing more to which he or she can aspire.” 本質上，快樂的追求是個無終點的過程、狀態。對我們而言，對於「做什麼能真正讓我們 become happier」有正確的認知，才是最實際重要的。

對答案有興趣的可以到書店看看這本書喔！

The question “How can I become happier?” acknowledges the nature of happiness and the fact that its pursuit is an ongoing process best represented by an infinite continuum, not by a finite point. I am happier than I was 5 years ago, and I hope to be happier five years from now than I am today.”