Happiness

Happiness, pleasure or joy is the emotional state of being happy. The definition of happiness is one of the greatest philosophical quandaries. Proposed definitions include freedom from want and distress, consciousness of the good order of things, assurance of one's place in the universe or society, inner peace, and so forth. More generally, though, it can be defined as the state which humans and other animals are behaviorally driven towards, to counter external forces which would otherwise lead to unhappiness (and presumably eventual death).

Related Topics:
Emotion - Philosophical - Freedom - Consciousness - Good - Order - Universe - Society - Inner peace - Humans - Animal

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Associated emotions include joy, exultation, delight, bliss, and love.

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Antonyms include suffering, sadness, grief, and pain. The term pleasure (like its opposite pain) is often used to specifically indicate localized, physical sensations, while happiness is sometimes used to refer specifically to a long-term, inner feeling.

Related Topics:
Suffering - Sadness - Grief - Pain

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Happiness differs from joy and glee in degree, if not in kind. To be happy implies a considered viewpoint which lasts longer than the transitory feelings of pleasure which are connoted by joy and glee. Thus happiness is often regarded as priceless, as opposed to the temporary pleasure stimulated by mechanical actions such as shopping or having sex.

Related Topics:
Pleasure - Sex

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However, happiness can come as the result of a situation which has been carefully planned for, as well as from situations caused by the kindness of others, or from situations which upon reflection feel positive and worthwhile. More typically though, happiness is attained by an entire life well planned for. The question of the best form of life is one of the major topics of Ethics.

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