Arthur Schopenhauer, often known for his pessimism, presents a guide to "How to achive happiness?" in his work "The Art of Being Happy." Contrary to his general outlook, this work offers practical philosophy on attaining happiness. Schopenhauer conceptualizes happiness as a result of avoiding pain and personal satisfaction.
How to Achive Happiness?
Everyone, in their unique journey through life, seeks a path to happiness, a universal quest that transcends cultures and personal backgrounds. There are many things to know while trying to achive happiness but regardless we are going to sum up in 3 subjects.
3 Things You Need to Know for Achive Happiness
We will talk in detail these 3 subjets. These are Health and Inner Peace, External World vs. Internal Experiences and Controlling Desires and Wants.
Health and Inner Peace
According to Schopenhauer, the cornerstone of happiness is health and inner peace. Health should be considered both physically and mentally. While physical health provides energy and vitality, mental health fosters a positive attitude and a sense of internal peace.
External World vs. Internal Experiences
Schopenhauer believes that happiness develops independently of the external world, within a person's inner self. Regardless of external circumstances, a person's internal experiences and responses define their happiness or misery. Hence, Schopenhauer encourages focusing on one’s inner world rather than external conditions.
Controlling Desires and Wants
Schopenhauer argues that the constant increase in wants and desires is a source of unhappiness. He proposes that people can find happiness by reducing and limiting their desires. This involves steering away from excessive ambition and seeking more internal satisfaction.
Include 3 Things to Your Life for Achive Happiness
You need to include these 3 subject to your life for achiving happiness. These are Inner Awareness, Minimalism and Simple Living and Personal Development and Self-Understanding.
Inner Awareness
Schopenhauer's teachings remain relevant today, especially under the modern world's continuous consumption and success pressure. His suggestions for inner awareness and limiting desires can be a way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Minimalism and Simple Living
Schopenhauer’s philosophy aligns with ideas of minimalism and simple living. Reducing desires and living a simple life can lead to less anxiety and more happiness, a growing trend in today's society.
Personal Development and Self-Understanding
Schopenhauer emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-understanding. Exploring our inner world and maintaining our mental health are keys to achieving happiness. This resonates with modern practices like self-awareness and meditation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Happiness
Here's a step-by-step guide inspired by Arthur Schopenhauer's "The Art of Being Happy," providing practical advice on achieving happiness with real-life examples. This guide integrates Schopenhauer's philosophical insights with modern applications.
Step 1: Cultivate Inner Peace and Mental Health
Practice: Begin with daily meditation or mindfulness exercises.
Real-Life Example: Jane, a busy professional, starts her day with 10 minutes of meditation, focusing on her breathing and clearing her mind. This practice helps her maintain calmness and clarity throughout her day.
Step 2: Foster Physical Health and Well-being
Practice: Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet.
Real-Life Example: John, who works from home, ensures he goes for a 30-minute walk each day and opts for balanced meals over fast food, enhancing his physical health and energy levels.
Step 3: Limit Desires and Material Pursuits
Practice: Practice minimalism by reducing unnecessary possessions and refraining from excessive consumerism.
Real-Life Example: Sarah decides to declutter her home, keeping only items that bring value to her life. She also sets a budget to control impulsive shopping.
Step 4: Develop Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Practice: Reflect regularly on personal values, goals, and behaviors.
Real-Life Example: Mike sets aside time each week to journal and reflect on his personal growth, mistakes, and lessons learned, leading to greater self-awareness.
Step 5: Cultivate Positive Relationships
Practice: Invest time and energy in nurturing meaningful relationships with family and friends.
Real-Life Example: Emma makes it a point to have regular catch-ups with her close friends and family, fostering deep and supportive relationships.
Step 6: Embrace Simplicity in Life
Practice: Simplify your lifestyle, focusing on experiences rather than possessions.
Real-Life Example: Alex chooses to spend his vacation camping and enjoying nature instead of a luxurious resort, finding joy in simpler experiences.
Step 7: Engage in Meaningful Work or Activities
Practice: Find work or hobbies that are fulfilling and align with your values.
Real-Life Example: Linda volunteers at a local animal shelter on weekends, finding purpose and happiness in helping animals.
Step 8: Accept and Adapt to Life’s Challenges
Practice: Practice resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s ups and downs.
Real-Life Example: When faced with a challenging work project, Tom adopts a positive attitude, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Step 9: Cultivate Gratitude and Mindfulness
Practice: Regularly practice gratitude and stay present in the moment.
Real-Life Example: Every evening, Rachel writes down three things she’s grateful for, helping her appreciate the positive aspects of her life.
Step 10: Balance Inner Needs with External Demands
Practice: Strike a balance between meeting your own needs and responding to external responsibilities.
Real-Life Example: Kevin sets boundaries at work to ensure he has time for self-care and family, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
By following these steps and incorporating them into daily life, one can embark on a journey towards deeper happiness, as inspired by Schopenhauer's philosophies and adapted to modern life. Remember, the pursuit of happiness is a personal and ongoing process, and these steps can be tailored to fit individual needs and circumstances.