The Declaration of
Independence has a famous line: we believe that these truths are self-evident:
people are born equal, and the Creator gives them certain inalienable rights,
including life, freedom, and pursuit. The happiness I think most people agree that
the Declaration of Independence is a beautiful document written by an
enlightened person. In 2006, a film by Will Smith was called The Pursuit of
Happiness. If you haven't seen it yet, please do it. This is a compelling and
beautiful story. One of the words shocked me and stayed with me. "At that
time, I began to consider Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and
the part about our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And I
remember how he knew where to put the pursuit part? Maybe satisfaction is what
we can only pursue Something; perhaps we will never actually own it. No matter
how he knows this? "Happiness is just an idea that we can continue but
never before is a great idea, but the wording is not appropriate.
I was told that
Jefferson's original route in his first draft was "pursuit of
enlightenment," but others in the document creation process didn't like
it. I don't know if this is accurate in history, but it brings some
perspectives on what we should pursue. I hope that our founders spend more time
thinking about this route because I believe that with all the glory in the
Declaration of Independence, this famous route has put the United States on the
wrong path. Pursuing happiness is a stupid road.
As a goal, happiness is
not available.
In my book "Unlimited
Jeff," I explored this idea. In the book, the concept of products and
by-products is used in many different fields. In many ways, the mistake of our
world and society is that we use the wrong things like our products as our
goal. Such as happiness, wealth, heaven, peace, love, success, etc. - Rich
things will be great, but as a product, as a goal, most of them are not
available and may lead to the destruction of expected results. I said that most
people couldn't get it because we all know people who target wealth and achieve
their goals. But because wealth is the goal, many satisfactory aspects of life
have been lost in pursuing this goal.
I believe that if our
founder replaced a word in the Declaration of Independence, then the United
States may follow another path. What if the line says: "Pursuing to
achieve"?
One problem with the word
"happiness" is that it brings pleasure. People equate happiness with
happiness and happiness and joy, as a pursuit of their own, is an addictive
drug. As fun becomes the ideal product for action, people continue to have fun.
They are looking for great fun and think they are looking for happiness. Think
about watching a fantastic movie, hanging out, drinking and laughing with
friends, making love, participating in tournaments, and competitions. All of
these are good things, all of which are enjoyable, but they are all very high.
By definition, the top position is followed by a low place. If we are not
careful, we will find ourselves in the last cycle of climax and trough.
The concept of
implementation brings a different mindset. It looks at who you are - what makes
you what it is - what promotes your inner spirit - what kind of person you are
- what established you.
My dad is just over 80
years old and very active at Habitat for Humanity. He went to the doctor for an
annual inspection and said: "You told me before, I am over seventy years
old and should not climb the roof. So now I am over seventy years old, it
doesn't matter, right?" My father is a Mechanical engineer. I have been
studying cars, buildings and other similar things since I was a child. He likes
architecture, and he wants to help others. Habitat for Humanity allows him to
do both. This is full of his inner spirit and keeps him active. It is both
enjoyable and happy, but those are by-products. The product is fulfilled.
The difficult part now.
Pursuing satisfaction is difficult, but unlike pursuing happiness, it is
achievable. Self-exploration is the key. A deep understanding of yourself is a
must. There are many ways to do this, but I found an activity that is critical
on my path. Read. Reading is essential to my growth. In The Infinite Jeff, the
protagonist keeps publishing books because he believes books are transformative
for people.
Happiness is a by-product
when you understand what can satisfy you and live a real life. You still
experience joy, but this is not a painful and meaningless pursuit to escape
life. It is a by-product of fulfillment.
0 Comments