The Illusion of Happiness

An interesting thing occurs when our basic needs are met in the Maslow’s hierarchy. This would include the base 2 levels of the pyramid.

What happens is that we begin to create our own problems. This occurs in the later levels. It does come to a point where we are constantly fighting a battle with no end.

Why do we continue to fight this pointless battle? For the small slice of temporary “happiness”.

However, this happiness is an unachievable illusion.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

The first way to understand why happiness is an unachievable illusion is by looking at the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

We have 5 levels of needs. These come in the form of Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-actualization. Yes, the majority of people can get through the first 2 levels of the pyramid, but what about the next 3?

All of these fall to the constant turmoil that is the mind. The constant problems that we face on a daily basis.

However even though we know that we can not always be at the top of this pyramid, we strive to be. This is a human trait that is usually unavoidable.

This gives rise the momentary spikes of happiness when we do hit the top.

The new cocktail of 21st-century problems

There are several old and new inventions that create and modifies old problems. This falls into the realm of

• Social Media (Esteem)
• Mobile devices
• Internet
• Technology
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Commercials
• Other things that are supposed to make you feel bad…

Yes, it may seem that technology has made our lives easier. Yet, this is at the cost of placing new traps that we must be wary of. This is because it shows you the positive and negative of the world.

What this means is it makes anyone who is average will want and desire the sometimes unreachable and unneeded. This itself is a short-circuit of our competitive instincts.

We always strive for the novelty of a life that is not others. This starts from the moment we are born and continues as we age.

The life of “no struggle”

We believe that if we have the right job, house, career, money, etc that we will be happy. This is never the case.

Even if one aspect of your life is perfect, there will always be unavoidable problems that occur. To keep one aspect of your life a certain way, problems must be faced.

The moment we come into this world, we usually cry. Why is that? Because the very act of coming into existence itself is a struggle.

The struggle is so woven into the fabric of biological living that it must be accounted and anticipated for. It should be accepted rather than completed avoided.

Real happiness stems from the laughing in the face of adversity. It also means not seeking temporary highs like expensive cars, and the like.

How do we escape false happiness?

I going to use my favorite phrase since it seems to fit it. Stop and Think. I know. Sounds simple right?

This means putting aside time to figure out what matters and what doesn’t. With enough time of self-reflection, you will see what flows and does not.

The time it takes will vary from person to person.

Conclusion

So is happiness unachievable?

Yes, I was kidding. Only the mainstream social version

How do we achieve it?

Realize life sucks and make the best of it. Stay close to the people that will go away. Make sure to understand that every day is a different battle.