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The Case Against Happiness

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

-Thomas Jefferson

           What is the meaning of life? Is there even a meaning to contemplate? What difference would it make if we can even come up with a decent enough answer? These are questions that have plagued philosophers and common folk alike for as long as there have been humans around to contemplate them. Thomas Jefferson was one great thinker who attempted to answer the question. The first time I read this passage, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction because I finally thought I had a goal to strive for. Not only that, I rationalized that the last sentence is abstract enough to be open to interpretation. Happiness is a subjective emotion that does not mean the same to everyone. Furthermore, I was intrigued by the idea of “pursuit.” Not everyone gets to be happy. The melancholy I felt after some deliberation gave Jefferson’s interpretation some weight. The contrast between fulfillment and emptiness was hard to ignore. The duality of existence: life and death, savory and sweet, male and female, etc. is a concept I always found fascinating; but that topic is the subject for another entry. The fundamental reason for this particular entry is to dissuade the reader from thinking happiness is the reason they should stay alive. Yes, you read that right. Happiness should not be your purpose in life.

“All men are created equal.” Egalitarianism is morphine to the collective unconscious. If it sounds fair then it must be right. Wrong. Disproving the first part of Jefferson’s idea is so trivial I am annoyed at the fact that I even have to devote energy to refute it. Where to start? Did you grow up with two parents? Even if you did, did they divorce? Maybe they stayed together, but do you come from money? Or maybe you were abused as a kid? Which one? Physically, sexually, or emotionally? Are you a minority? Did you ever feel envy? Did you ever feel anger? Of course the answer to any of these questions has to be yes. Particularly the last question. Anger is a human response to injustice. Do I have your attention now? Good. Life is unfair. Jefferson must have been a little naïve to have written this on arguably the most important document to have been produced on the western hemisphere. Jefferson himself had slaves. I’m sure he was smart enough to know how privileged he was to be born white given the historical context of his reality. Happiness is a lot harder to reach when the starting line is staggered as opposed to linear.

“That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Freedom of speech is a wonderful privilege I’ve grown entitled to. People living in western societies do not have to gerrymander their speech in order to appease tyrannical governments. I’ve grown so accustomed to be able to speak my mind that I forget that it is someone’s responsibility to protect said right. Despite the cynics who scoff at the idea of a benevolent government; I can assure you that by historical standards, you are freer and better off than everyone who has ever lived before you. The rights you enjoy have come at the sacrifice of someone who was always willing to put their life on the line for you. The technology you use everyday was a product of ingenuity and determination of very bright people before you. So why are we still pursuing happiness then? Shouldn’t you be happy already? The comforts of modern life are standards that most people throughout history would view as nothing less than miracles. Why are you so ungrateful then? Why do you criticize society when society has given you so much? I am not saying our culture is perfect. I am only pointing out the fact that your life could have been a lot harder had you been born in another time. Hell, it would be a lot harder if you were born in a less developed part of the world. Leisure is a luxury only the most recent generations have enjoyed. Even still, the mental health of today’s culture is slowly deteriorating. Depression and anxiety run rampant in our population. Children’s unalienable right to life and liberty is now under threat due to mass shooters who feel a deep sense of resentment against the world. Big oil companies are lobbying to promote their own self-interests; you don’t even have an unalienable right to breathable air. Forgive my skepticism but do you even have a right to be happy? Happiness can lead to complacency, and there are too many issues left to be resolved for people to place their hands snugly in their pockets.

“The pursuit of happiness.” If I were to ask you how many times in your life you have experienced true happiness, what number would you give me? Personally, I can only think of three experiences that would make the cut. Most other fond memories of my life I would most aptly categorize as feeling “content.” At the risk of sounding morose, I am willing to bet that most days you have lived have been rather dull and uninteresting. The monotonous routine of being alive is enough to send anyone into a distressing midlife crisis. Pleasure seeking behavior thus becomes the drug that helps us escape our repetitive existence. I’m sure you’re no stranger to guilty pleasures that have helped made your life a bit more bearable. Whether it be drugs, sex, video-games, or smart phones; we are all liable to engage in vices that we are not necessarily proud of. Let me save you the suspense, you will always be pursuing, but never truly catching, happiness.

So if happiness is not the goal of life then what is? Is there even a goal? I believe there is. The purpose of this blog is to convince the reader of the path not easily trodden. It is a harrowing experience that will lead the reader into confronting the worst and best part of themselves. Welcome to my mind and your mind. Welcome to the collective unconscious.