Changes

[[File:Smiley-face.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|The smiley, often called a Smiley face, is a symbol frequently used to express happiness. ]]

[[File:Smiley-face.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|The smiley, often called a Smiley face, is a symbol frequently used to express happiness. ]]

'''Happiness''' is the quality or [[state]] of being happy, of wellbeing without [[Stress|distress]].

'''Happiness''' is the quality or [[state]] of being happy, of wellbeing without [[Stress|distress]]. Exact definitions of happiness vary; for example, some contend that it is possible to ''think'' you are happy, but not in fact be happy. [[Secular]]ists teach that happiness is the object or goal of [[life]].<ref>https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/aristotle/</ref> However, the [[Bible]] teaches that serving [[God]] is the primary purpose of why we were created.<ref>“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matt. 16:24</ref>

[[Aristotle]] enshrines happiness as a central purpose/goal of human life.<ref>[https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/aristotle/ Aristotle and happiness]</ref> However, the Bible teaches: "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." (Ephesians 2:10 NRSV).  

In the [[United States]], the right of all citizens to "the [[pursuit of happiness]]" is enshrined in the [[Declaration of Independence]].

 

In [[Bhutan]], royal government makes a statement of Gross National Happiness, which is important to both the King and our Bhutanese people.

 

[[File:Open-bible.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The Bible is the best-selling book of all time.<ref>[https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction The Bible is the best selling book of all time], Guinness Book of Word Record</ref>

 

[[Bible]] verses on happiness:

 

*[https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-happiness/ Bible Verses about Happiness], Biblestudytools.com

*[https://www.openbible.info/topics/true_happiness Bible verses related to happiness], Openbible.info

*[https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-being-happy/ 10 Key Bible Verses on Being Happy], Crossway

*[https://bibleversaz.com/bible-verses-about-happiness/ Bible verses on happiness]

*[https://dailyverses.net/search/Happy/esv Bible verses related to happiness], Dailyverses.net (ESV translation)

 

=== The beauty of seeking both joy and happiness in Christ. The difference between joy and happiness is substantial ===

 

*[https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/the-beauty-of-seeking-both-joy-and-happiness-in-christ.html#:~:text=How%20Can%20We%20Choose%20Joy,verses%20on%20happiness%20and%20joy. The Beauty of Seeking Both Joy and Happiness in Christ], Biblestudytools.org

 

In the [[United States]], the right of all citizens to "the [[pursuit of happiness]]" is enshrined in the [[Declaration of Independence]].

 

Harvard Univesity study: [https://media.benedictine.edu/in-happiness-study-harvard-agrees-with-the-bible In happiness study, Harvard University agrees With the Bible], Benedictine University

 

In addition, There is a significant amount of [[history|historical]] and [[Science|scientific]] evidence that Bible reading has greatly increased human flourishing such as people's physical health, psychological well-being, [[character]] and [[virtue]], and social connections (See: [[Bible reading and human flourishing]]).

 

In [[Bhutan]], the royal government instituted the concept of Gross National Happiness and asserted that this statistic is more important that Gross National Product.

*[https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2024/03/23/religion-effect-on-happiness/ Are religious people happier? The science is pretty clear], Deseret News, 2024

*[https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/01/31/are-religious-people-happier-healthier-our-new-global-study-explores-this-question/ Are religious people happier, healthier? Our new global study explores this question], Pew Research

== The SPIRE Model of Happiness ==

===The SPIRE Model of Happiness===

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar SPIRE Model of Happines is comprised of the following five elements:<ref>[https://www.astridbaumgardner.com/uncategorized/the-spire-model-of-happiness-how-to-enhance-your-wellbeing/ The SPIRE Model of Happiness: How to Enhance Your Wellbeing]</ref>

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar SPIRE Model of Happines is comprised of the following five elements:<ref>[https://www.astridbaumgardner.com/uncategorized/the-spire-model-of-happiness-how-to-enhance-your-wellbeing/ The SPIRE Model of Happiness: How to Enhance Your Wellbeing]</ref>

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL-iuvMQmfsWHgOKj19dC7Wgt6FtqrDco Relational | SPIRE elements - video playlist], Video playlist

*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL-iuvMQmfsWHgOKj19dC7Wgt6FtqrDco Relational | SPIRE elements - video playlist], Video playlist

== How to increase happiness ==

===How to increase happiness===

''See also:'' [[Gratitude]] and [[Empathy]] and [[Friendship]] and [[Social influence]] and [[Social intelligence]] and [[Social networking]] and [[Toxic personality traits]] and [[Faith]] and [[Religion]] and [[Goal setting]] and [[Dairy|Journaling]] and [[Self-care]] and [[Passion (psychology)]] and [[Meaning]] and [[Adventurousness]] and [[Comfort zone]]

''See also:'' [[Gratitude]] and [[Empathy]] and [[Friendship]] and [[Social influence]] and [[Social intelligence]] and [[Social networking]] and [[Toxic personality traits]] and [[Faith]] and [[Religion]] and [[Goal setting]] and [[Dairy|Journaling]] and [[Self-care]] and [[Passion (psychology)]] and [[Meaning]] and [[Adventurousness]] and [[Comfort zone]]

*[https://www.thisiscalmer.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-happiness-by-cultivating-kindness#:~:text=A%202018%20systemic%20review%20and%20meta%2Danalysis%20showed,greater%20your%20levels%20of%20happiness%20will%20be. How to boost your happiness by cultivating kindness]

*[https://www.thisiscalmer.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-happiness-by-cultivating-kindness#:~:text=A%202018%20systemic%20review%20and%20meta%2Danalysis%20showed,greater%20your%20levels%20of%20happiness%20will%20be. How to boost your happiness by cultivating kindness]

*[https://www.northernoutdoors.com/forget-the-gadgets-its-experiences-that-bring-happiness/ Science Says, “Adventure  = Happiness”]</ref>

*[https://www.northernoutdoors.com/forget-the-gadgets-its-experiences-that-bring-happiness/ Science Says, “Adventure  = Happiness”]</ref>

Articles:  

Articles:  

''See also:'' [[Empathy]]

''See also:'' [[Empathy]]

 

Research indicates that [[empathy]] and happiness are positively correlated. Individuals who exhibit higher levels of empathy generally report greater levels of happiness and well-being.<ref>

Research indicates that [[empathy]] and happiness are positively correlated. Individuals who exhibit higher levels of empathy generally report greater levels of happiness and well-being.<ref>

*[https://www.google.com/search?q=is+empathy+and+positively+correlated+to+happiness&oq=is+empathy+and+positively+correlated+to+happiness&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQLhhA0gEJMTk3NTBqMGoxqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Is empathy positively correlated to happiness?]

*[https://www.google.com/search?q=is+empathy+and+positively+correlated+to+happiness&oq=is+empathy+and+positively+correlated+to+happiness&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQLhhA0gEJMTk3NTBqMGoxqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Is empathy positively correlated to happiness?]

*[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8623346/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20empathy%20allows%20individuals%20to,37%2C38%2C39%5D. Can Empathy Help Individuals and Society? Through the Lens of Volunteering and Mental Health], Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Oct 20;9(11):1406. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9111406

*[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8623346/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20empathy%20allows%20individuals%20to,37%2C38%2C39%5D. Can Empathy Help Individuals and Society? Through the Lens of Volunteering and Mental Health], Healthcare (Basel). 2021 Oct 20;9(11):1406. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9111406

*[https://www.thisiscalmer.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-happiness-by-cultivating-kindness#:~:text=A%202018%20systemic%20review%20and%20meta%2Danalysis%20showed,greater%20your%20levels%20of%20happiness%20will%20be. How to boost your happiness by cultivating kindness]</ref>

*[https://www.thisiscalmer.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-happiness-by-cultivating-kindness#:~:text=A%202018%20systemic%20review%20and%20meta%2Danalysis%20showed,greater%20your%20levels%20of%20happiness%20will%20be. How to boost your happiness by cultivating kindness]</ref>

 

Articles:  

Articles:  

=== Adventures and happiness ===

=== Adventures and happiness ===

[[File:Hot-air-balloons.jpg|thumbnail|right|500px|Adventurous people are open to new experiences, willing to take [[risk]]s, and enjoy pushing themselves beyond their [[comfort zone]]s. They are curious, [[Psychological resilience|resilient]], and have a [[Positive thinking|positive]] [[attitude]] towards the unknown. ]]

[[File:Hot-air-balloons.jpg|thumbnail|right|500px|Adventurous people are open to new experiences, willing to take [[risk]]s, and enjoy pushing themselves beyond their [[comfort zone]]s. They are curious, [[Psychological resilience|resilient]], and have a [[Positive thinking|positive]] [[attitude]] towards the unknown. ]]

Pursuing adventures is frequently positively correlated with increased happiness and well-being. New experiences and challenges often leads to increased dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, boosting mood and fostering psychological/physical resilience.<ref>

Pursuing adventures is frequently positively correlated with increased happiness and well-being. New experiences and challenges often leads to increased dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, boosting mood and fostering psychological/physical resilience.<ref>

*[https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/why-an-adventure-mindset-is-good-for-you#:~:text=We%20call%20it%20adventure.,trip%20to%20an%20exotic%20land. The ‘Adventure Mindset’: the path to health and happiness]

*[https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/why-an-adventure-mindset-is-good-for-you#:~:text=We%20call%20it%20adventure.,trip%20to%20an%20exotic%20land. The ‘Adventure Mindset’: the path to health and happiness]

*[https://chatelaine.com/health/how-more-adventure-can-mean-more-happiness/ How more adventure can mean more happiness]</ref>

*[https://chatelaine.com/health/how-more-adventure-can-mean-more-happiness/ How more adventure can mean more happiness]</ref>

Articles:  

Articles:  

*[https://chatelaine.com/health/how-more-adventure-can-mean-more-happiness/ How more adventure can mean more happiness]

*[https://chatelaine.com/health/how-more-adventure-can-mean-more-happiness/ How more adventure can mean more happiness]

== Happiness and health ==

===Happiness and health===

[[File:Emotional intelligence.png|thumbnail|350px|right|The five components of emotional intelligence are: [[self-awareness]], [[self-regulation]], [[motivation]], [[empathy]], and [[Interpersonal skills|social skills]].<ref>[https://www.mbaknol.com/modern-management-concepts/domains-of-emotional-intelligence/ Domains of Emotional Intelligence], MBA Knowledge Base</ref>]]

[[File:Emotional intelligence.png|thumbnail|350px|right|The five components of emotional intelligence are: [[self-awareness]], [[self-regulation]], [[motivation]], [[empathy]], and [[Interpersonal skills|social skills]].<ref>[https://www.mbaknol.com/modern-management-concepts/domains-of-emotional-intelligence/ Domains of Emotional Intelligence], MBA Knowledge Base</ref>]]

*[https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-happiness/ What Is Happiness and Why Is It Important? (+ Definition)] by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA

*[https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-happiness/ What Is Happiness and Why Is It Important? (+ Definition)] by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA

== Biblical joy vs. happiness ==

===Happiness and success in one's endeavors===

 

 

 

 

== Happiness and success in one's endeavors ==

Research indicates that happiness is more apt to lead to success in one's endeavors.<ref>[https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-1316803.pdf The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?], Psychological Bulletin Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association, 2005, Vol. 131, No. 6, 803– 855</ref>

Research indicates that happiness is more apt to lead to success in one's endeavors.<ref>[https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-1316803.pdf The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?], Psychological Bulletin Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association, 2005, Vol. 131, No. 6, 803– 855</ref>

== Loss of friendships and growing unhappiness, loneliness, social isolation in the United States ==

===Loss of friendships and growing unhappiness, loneliness, social isolation in the United States===

[[Image:Desperation_man.jpg‎ |thumb|250px|right|[[Loneliness]] has been linked to many physical and mental health problems.<ref>Multiple references:

[[Image:Desperation_man.jpg‎ |thumb|250px|right|[[Loneliness]] has been linked to many physical and mental health problems.<ref>Multiple references:

*Gammon, Katherine (March 2, 2012).  [http://www.livescience.com/18800-loneliness-health-problems.html "Why loneliness can be deadly"].  Live Science website.

*Gammon, Katherine (March 2, 2012).  [http://www.livescience.com/18800-loneliness-health-problems.html "Why loneliness can be deadly"].  Live Science website.

''See also:'' [[Friendship]] and [[Loneliness]]  

''See also:'' [[Friendship]] and [[Loneliness]]  

David B. Brooks in his 2023 book entitled ''How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen'' wrote about [[loneliness]]:  

[[NeverTrump]]er [[David B. Brooks]]<ref>https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/03/29/david_brooks_on_signal_chat_democrats_should_talk_about_nothing_but_trumps_incompetence.html</ref> in his 2023 book entitled ''How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen'' wrote about [[loneliness]]:  

{{Cquote|I’ve been writing as if we live in a healthy cultural environment, in a society in which people are enmeshed in thick communities and webs of friendship, trust, and belonging. We don’t live in such a society. We live in an environment in which political animosities, technological dehumanization, and social breakdown undermine connection, strain friendships, erase intimacy, and foster distrust. We’re living in the middle of some sort of vast emotional, relational, and spiritual crisis. It is as if people across society have lost the ability to see and understand one another, thus producing a culture that can be brutalizing and isolating.

{{Cquote|I’ve been writing as if we live in a healthy cultural environment, in a society in which people are enmeshed in thick communities and webs of friendship, trust, and belonging. We don’t live in such a society. We live in an environment in which political animosities, technological dehumanization, and social breakdown undermine connection, strain friendships, erase intimacy, and foster distrust. We’re living in the middle of some sort of vast emotional, relational, and spiritual crisis. It is as if people across society have lost the ability to see and understand one another, thus producing a culture that can be brutalizing and isolating.

Sadness, lack of recognition, and loneliness turn into bitterness. When people believe that their identity is unrecognized, it feels like injustice—because it is. People who have been treated unjustly often lash out, seek ways to humiliate those who they feel have humiliated them. Loneliness thus leads to meanness. As the saying goes, pain that is not transformed gets transmitted. The data I just cited about social isolation and sadness is, no surprise, accompanied by other sorts of data about rising hostility and callousness. In 2021, hate-crime reports surged to their highest levels in twelve years. In 2000, roughly two-thirds of Americans gave to charity; by 2021, fewer than half did. One restaurant owner recently told me that he has to ban somebody from his place for rude behavior almost every week these days. That didn’t use to happen. A friend of mine who is a nurse says her number one problem is retaining staff. Her nurses want to quit because the patients have become so abusive, even violent. As the columnist Peggy Noonan put it, “People are proud of their bitterness now.” The social breakdown manifests as a crisis of distrust. Two generations ago, roughly 60 percent of Americans said that “most people can be trusted.” By 2014, according the General Social Survey, only 30.3 percent did, and only 19 percent of millennials. High-trust societies have what Francis Fukuyama calls “spontaneous sociability,” meaning that people are quick to get together and work together. Low-trust societies do not have this. Low-trust societies fall apart. Distrust sows distrust. It creates a feeling that the only person you can count on is yourself. Distrustful people assume that others are out to get them, they exaggerate threats, they fall for conspiracy theories that explain the danger they feel.<ref>Brooks, David. How to Know a Person (p. 97-101). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.</ref>}}

Sadness, lack of recognition, and loneliness turn into bitterness. When people believe that their identity is unrecognized, it feels like injustice—because it is. People who have been treated unjustly often lash out, seek ways to humiliate those who they feel have humiliated them. Loneliness thus leads to meanness. As the saying goes, pain that is not transformed gets transmitted. The data I just cited about social isolation and sadness is, no surprise, accompanied by other sorts of data about rising hostility and callousness. In 2021, hate-crime reports surged to their highest levels in twelve years. In 2000, roughly two-thirds of Americans gave to charity; by 2021, fewer than half did. One restaurant owner recently told me that he has to ban somebody from his place for rude behavior almost every week these days. That didn’t use to happen. A friend of mine who is a nurse says her number one problem is retaining staff. Her nurses want to quit because the patients have become so abusive, even violent. As the columnist Peggy Noonan put it, “People are proud of their bitterness now.” The social breakdown manifests as a crisis of distrust. Two generations ago, roughly 60 percent of Americans said that “most people can be trusted.” By 2014, according the General Social Survey, only 30.3 percent did, and only 19 percent of millennials. High-trust societies have what Francis Fukuyama calls “spontaneous sociability,” meaning that people are quick to get together and work together. Low-trust societies do not have this. Low-trust societies fall apart. Distrust sows distrust. It creates a feeling that the only person you can count on is yourself. Distrustful people assume that others are out to get them, they exaggerate threats, they fall for conspiracy theories that explain the danger they feel.<ref>Brooks, David. How to Know a Person (p. 97-101). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.</ref>}}

== Happiness and labor productivity ==

===Happiness and labor productivity===

''See also:'' [[Labor productivity]]

''See also:'' [[Labor productivity]]

Fast Company's article ''Research shows happiness is the new performance indicator. This is how managers can support it'' indicates: "The Saïd Business School study Does Happiness Improve Worker Productivity? found that happiness can have a significant impact on productivity. Results showed that happier workers were 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts."<ref>[https://www.fastcompany.com/90891844/research-happiness-new-performance-indicator#:~:text=The%20Sa%C3%AFd%20Business%20School%20study,productive%20than%20their%20unhappy%20counterparts. ''Research shows happiness is the new performance indicator. This is how managers can support it'']</ref>

Fast Company's article ''Research shows happiness is the new performance indicator. This is how managers can support it'' indicates: "The Saïd Business School study Does Happiness Improve Worker Productivity? found that happiness can have a significant impact on productivity. Results showed that happier workers were 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts."<ref>[https://www.fastcompany.com/90891844/research-happiness-new-performance-indicator#:~:text=The%20Sa%C3%AFd%20Business%20School%20study,productive%20than%20their%20unhappy%20counterparts. ''Research shows happiness is the new performance indicator. This is how managers can support it'']</ref>

== The symbiotic relationship between creativity and happiness ==

===The symbiotic relationship between creativity and happiness===

''See also:'' [[Creativity]]

''See also:'' [[Creativity]]

There is a symbiotic relationship between [[creativity]] and happiness (In other words, being happier make you more creative. In addition, being more creative makes one happier.).<ref>[https://nlpwithpurpose.medium.com/the-symbiotic-relationship-creativity-and-happiness-3e53a4424177 The Symbiotic Relationship: Creativity and Happiness]</ref><ref>[https://ideascale.com/blog/the-unexpected-link-between-creativity-and-happiness/ The Unexpected Link Between Creativity and Happiness], Ideascale website</ref><ref>[https://www.creativityatwork.com/art-and-science-of-happiness/ Does Happiness Affect Your Creativity?]</ref><ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8305859/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20found%20a%20bidirectional,5%2C6%2C7%5D. Being Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being], Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul; 18(14): 7244. Published online 2021 Jul 6. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18147244</ref><ref>[https://www.trackinghappiness.com/link-between-creativity-and-happiness/10 Studies Show Why Creativity and Happiness are Linked]</ref>

There is a symbiotic relationship between [[creativity]] and happiness (In other words, being happier make you more creative. In addition, being more creative makes one happier.).<ref>[https://nlpwithpurpose.medium.com/the-symbiotic-relationship-creativity-and-happiness-3e53a4424177 The Symbiotic Relationship: Creativity and Happiness]</ref><ref>[https://ideascale.com/blog/the-unexpected-link-between-creativity-and-happiness/ The Unexpected Link Between Creativity and Happiness], Ideascale website</ref><ref>[https://www.creativityatwork.com/art-and-science-of-happiness/ Does Happiness Affect Your Creativity?]</ref><ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8305859/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20found%20a%20bidirectional,5%2C6%2C7%5D. Being Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being], Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul; 18(14): 7244. Published online 2021 Jul 6. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18147244</ref><ref>[https://www.trackinghappiness.com/link-between-creativity-and-happiness/10 Studies Show Why Creativity and Happiness are Linked]</ref>

== Psychology: Happiness vs. joy ==

===Psychology: Happiness vs. joy===

''See also:'' [[Joy]]

''See also:'' [[Joy]]

Unfortunately for hedonists, focusing on pleasure-seeking does not deliver the optimal pleasure and happiness in the long run or even in the short run and instead just delivers emptiness.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tSQPGYvE0s Clear Voices 2014 - Alister McGrath - C. S. Lewis’s Vision of the Christianity]</ref>

Unfortunately for hedonists, focusing on pleasure-seeking does not deliver the optimal pleasure and happiness in the long run or even in the short run and instead just delivers emptiness.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tSQPGYvE0s Clear Voices 2014 - Alister McGrath - C. S. Lewis’s Vision of the Christianity]</ref>

== Journal articles and happiness ==

== Journal articles and happiness ==