Chapter 1: The Nature of Happiness

Happiness, much like health, is our inherent state.

“A happy person is so content in the moment that they do not dwell excessively on what lies ahead.” — Einstein

Recently, I began jotting down thoughts about the latest happenings in New York City. Dr. Chokshi highlighted the emotional toll that the pandemic has taken, revealing that a staggering 50% of New Yorkers report feelings of sadness and loneliness. He referred to this growing concern as NYC’s "epidemic of loneliness."

However, as I continued to write, I had a moment of reflection. It brought to mind a long-held philosophical belief: prolonged focus on negative thoughts leads to depression. It’s no surprise that many in this vibrant city are waking up to the harsh reality of isolation brought on by quarantine. Pascal's warning resonates: sadness often stems from the "inability to sit quietly alone in a room."

In a city where nightlife starts at midnight, perhaps the quarantine has altered our perception of time. Many New Yorkers, accustomed to the constant rush, might now realize that solitude can foster loneliness. Yet, if you cherish the company of yourself, can you truly feel lonely?

Ultimately, since both sadness and loneliness exist within our minds, the conclusion is clear:

We don’t become happy… we merely cease to be unhappy.

Chapter 2: Understanding Happiness and Its Opposite

Discontent = Dis + Contentment

“The essence of wisdom is defining our terms.” Utilizing the Socratic method, we can see that the prefix "dis-" indicates negation or absence, leading to terms like disease and disharmony. Just as our bodies naturally strive for health, unhappiness can be viewed as a dysfunction.

If happiness signifies satisfaction, then our natural state of mind should be one of contentment. Thus, unhappiness is a deviation from this state. Socrates wisely stated:

“Contentment is true wealth. Those who are not satisfied with what they have will not be satisfied with what they desire.”

Reflecting on this, my uncle John, who is in recovery from alcoholism, once shared that the crux of overcoming addiction lies in recognizing that drunks struggle with reality, not sobriety.

Any mental dysfunction often mirrors how we engage with reality. We cannot simply will ourselves into happiness; instead, we can choose to release negative thoughts and restore positivity. Our emotional state hinges on what we choose to contemplate, aligning with the Buddha's assertion: “The mind is everything. What you think you become.”

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Chapter 3: The Key Insights

It is impossible to maintain optimism while being unhappy.

Recognizing that our perception shapes our reality is crucial. Philosophers have long maintained that it is our mindset, not external circumstances, that determines our experience. We seek happiness—this is a universal truth. However, it is a deeply personal journey, rooted in our minds.

When asked about the "kingdom" he often referenced, the Nazarene replied, “The kingdom of heaven is within you.”

This suggests that true contentment resides in our mental landscape. The aim of mindfulness and meditation should be to comprehend that lasting peace of mind can only be achieved when we see ourselves as the stewards of our thoughts, rather than being governed by them.

As guardians of our minds, we rarely take the time to introspect. We seldom pause to question: What is causing my unhappiness?

Once again, unhappiness signifies discontent. It arises from fixation on negative thoughts. By redirecting our focus to positive thoughts, we can restore order. Einstein captured this sentiment perfectly when he stated:

“I would rather be an optimistic fool than a pessimistic sage.”

Children are inherently optimistic, filled with hope and anticipation of success. As they experience life's challenges, this natural outlook can be disrupted, leading to disordered thinking and distress.

In conclusion, since happiness is our default state, unhappiness must be viewed as an anomaly. Therefore, I reiterate:

We don’t become happy… we simply stop being unhappy.

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