It appears to be an odd question, but is it? Do you know what it means to be happy? Do you believe that happiness means the same thing to you as it does to others?
What is the purpose of it all? Is there any difference in our lives?
In fact, happiness plays an important role in our lives and can have a significant impact on how we live. Although researchers have yet to agree on a definition or framework for happiness, we have learned a lot in the last few decades.
This article will delve into the science of happiness, defining what it is and why it is important.
A Look at the Oxford English Dictionary‘s Definition of Happiness
First, let’s take a look at the definition of happiness so we’re all on the same page. Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of “happiness” is a simple one: “The state of being happy.”
Not exactly what we were looking for, was it? Perhaps we need to dive a little deeper. Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of “happy” is a little more helpful: “Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.”
That’s better! So, happiness is the state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. From this definition, we can glean a few important points about happiness:
- Happiness is a state, not a trait; in other words, it isn’t a long-lasting, permanent feature or personality trait, but a more fleeting, changeable state.
- Happiness is equated with feeling pleasure or contentment, meaning that happiness is not to be confused with joy, ecstasy, bliss, or other more intense feelings.
- Happiness can be either feeling or showing, meaning that happiness is not necessarily an internal or external experience, but can be both.
Now we have a better grasp on what happiness is—or at least, how the Oxford English Dictionary defines what happiness is. However, this definition is not the end-all, be-all definition of happiness. In fact, the definition of happiness is not a “settled” debate.
Pleasure vs. happiness
Given the close relationship between pleasure and happiness, you may be wondering how to tell them apart. After all, the OED defines happiness as "a state of feeling pleasure"!
The association makes sense, and it's common to hear the two words used interchangeably outside of the literature; however, when it comes to positive psychology science, it's important to distinguish between the two.
Happiness, as defined above, is a state characterised by feelings of contentment and satisfaction with one's life or current situation. On the other hand, pleasure is a more visceral, in-the-moment experience. It frequently refers to the sensory-based feelings we get from experiences such as eating good food, getting a massage, receiving a compliment, or having sex.
While happiness isn't a permanent state, it is more stable than pleasure. Happiness tends to last longer than pleasure, which can come and go in a matter of seconds (Paul, 2015).
Pleasure can enhance or deepen feelings of pleasure, but the two can also be mutually exclusive. For example, you may experience happiness based on meaning and engagement rather than pleasure, or you may experience pleasure but struggle with guilt as a result, preventing you from feeling happy at the same time.
What does self-happiness mean?
Can individuals learn how to be happy?
You might be wondering why happiness is considered such an important aspect of life, as there are many components of a meaningful life.
In some ways, science would agree with you. It appears that life satisfaction, meaning, and well-being can be linked with happiness, but happiness is not necessarily the overarching goal for everyone in life. It is still important because it has some undeniably positive benefits and co-occurring factors.
June Silny at Happify outlines 14 answers to the question, “What’s so great about happiness, anyway?”
- Happy people are more successful in multiple life domains, including marriage, friendship, income, work performance, and health.
- Happy people get sick less often and experience fewer symptoms when they do get sick.
- Happy people have more friends and a better support system.
- Happy people donate more to charity (and giving money to charity makes you happy, too).
- Happy people are more helpful and more likely to volunteer—which also makes you happier!
- Happy people have an easier time navigating through life since optimism eases pain, sadness, and grief.
- Happy people have a positive influence on others and encourage them to seek happiness as well, which can act as reinforcement.
- Happy people engage in deeper and more meaningful conversations.
- Happy people smile more, which is beneficial to your health.
- Happy people exercise more often and eat more healthily.
- Happy people are happy with what they have rather than being jealous of others.
- Happy people are healthier all around and more likely to be healthy in the future.
- Happy people live longer than those who are not as happy.
- Happy people are more productive and more creative, and this effect extends to all those experiencing positive emotions.
OXFORD HAPPINESS TEST