PLEASURE & HAPPINESS Does pleasure make us happy?

Today we will talk about the role of pleasure in the good life. Does “having stuff” make us happier? (Materialism) Does having pleasure make us happier? (Hedonism) Does expanding our abilities and capacities make us happier? (Eudaimonia) WHAT GOOD IS HAPPINESS?

As you see, there is little relationship between “stuff” and happiness. Poland, very poor, us as happy as Japan, a very wealthy country.

The Pursuit of Pleasure?

Happiness develops our Brain (We should seek happiness because we are more human (eudaimonic) when happy)

Can Pleasure Make Us Happy The Dalai Lama has said that, although his life has relatively little pleasure, it has very great happiness. Seligman’s research: Students told to emphasize pleasure vs. service and self- sacrifice.

What’s Good About Positive Emotions? It feels good to feel good (SO?) Broaden and build (Fredrickson, 2002) I call this the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions because positive emotions appear to broaden people’s momentary thought-action repertoires and build their enduring personal resources... Through experiences of positive emotions people transform themselves, becoming more creative, knowledgeable, resilient, socially integrated, and healthy individuals.”

What’s Good About Positive Emotions? It feels good to feel good Broaden and build Overcoming negative emotions Increased creativity Increased motivation and energy Success Physical health

What do we know so far? More money / possessions doesn’t bring happiness Happiness is a by-product We are often unable to predict what will bring us happiness. Pleasure habituates

Prediction Problems Daniel Gilbert has demonstrated how we don’t predict accurately what will make us happy or sad. Personal experiment: Predict before you engage in activities; hold yourself accountable. How much enjoyment did you actually get? How do you account for the difference?

Habituation Problems The hedonic treadmill: –We quickly adapt and take pleasures for granted. –We have to adapt so as to notice change This can be addressed with savoring: –Focus intently on what you are experiencing: chew slowly when eating, fill your senses with what you see, hear, smell...

But I shall go down from this airy space, this swift white peace, this stinging exultation; And time will close about me and my soul stir to the rhythm of the daily round. Yet, having known, life will not press so close, and always I shall feel time ravel thin about me. For once I stood In the white windy presence of eternity. - Eunice Tietjen, The most-sacred mountain

Savoring Focus intently on ordinary experiences. –Chew food slowly and thoughtfully. –Drink slowing and attentively. Listen to a friend with intensity. Keep your mind quiet as you listen. Notice the daily experience of walking.