Why is the feeling of satisfaction ephemeral? When do I feel content? What are the characteristic of happiness?
This is a bust of Epicurus. He can answer these questions.
Why is the feeling of satisfaction ephemeral?
We do not remain satisfied for very long because we try to gain pleasure from desires which yield no true happiness. We may be feel temporarily content, like when experiencing fame or wealth, yet we find ourself wanting more, and thus we are never satisfied. Epicurus calls desires of such nature unnatural and unnecessary.
When do I feel content?
We feel content when we eliminate inappropriate wants and fully immerse ourselves in the present, sans thoughts of the past or the future, and partake in our vital and necessary needs such as food and shelter.
Happiness arises from our absolute commitment to the present, ignoring time, and indulging in our current activity.
What are the characteristic of happiness?
Epicurus states that their are three major characteristic to happiness: friends, freedom, and reflection.
Friends - Who we are with is more important than the activity we are preforming.
Freedom - We must feel free from the frustrations of society and depend on ourself to attain happiness and experience a sense of self-sufficiency.
Reflection - We must live an analyzed life to improve our condition.
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
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