Art of Happiness (book review) For me the topic of "happiness" is a key part of sustainability and ecopaths. Our beliefs regarding happiness are major factors in decision making and is competing with the idea that consumption brings happiness. If we believe that "not having things" and consuming is an unpleasant from of self denial then we feel pessimistic about living ecologically. On the other hand, if our beliefs about ecology and life are connected to a positive view which includes supporting feedback then the path becomes much easier. Currently the book "Art of Happiness" is on many best seller lists and is just appearing in libraries and book stores. Written by the Dalai Lama the ideas have a Buddhist flavor. The book basically agrees that happiness isn't in consumption and that is a big mistake most people make. It then goes on to say happiness is mostly in the mind and the answer is self discipline. A quote: Happiness is determined more by one's state of mind than by external events. The above quote occurred on page 30 and that is where i began to argue with the book. I believe the above quote is too simplistic and dangerous. For some people addicted to TV or drugs the situation is different. Those addicted to consumption also have a unique problem that requires more than just state of mind. Our surroundings and acts influence the mind as does our diet and many other things. OK, on with the book. The book makes the following points: * happiness is relative, we compare ourselves to others and feel dissatisfied if they have more or appear happier. * The antidote of greed is contentment. If you have a strong sense of contentment, it doesn't matter whether you obtain the object or not. * Feelings of self worth from inside are much better than self esteem from external events. The movie star who becomes addicted to fame is vulnerable. * happiness is different from pleasure and we should not mistake the two. The book then goes into training the mind and covers relationships, compassion, suffering, change, anger, and spiritual values. None of these topics have much religion attached if any. After reading the book i didn't change my view of happiness but did enjoy the book. Since this subject is so important in our society it should be on the best seller list. Along with it i would have liked to see a discussion of how cultural immersion and advertising impacts happiness.. Oh well... i still recommend the book.
