The Pursuit Of Happiness (No this isn't a review for the film)

As I stated in my title, this is not a review for the film. Fortunately or unfortunately I have neither the understanding of film critiquing, nor the inclination. Now if we're talking about writing a script for a really bakwaas movie, maybe I stand a chance. Heck I may even win some award like say if they had a FILMSHAME award or something similar..getting my point na :) Basically what I'm saying is that I suck at those kind of 'arty' things. Give me genes and chromosomes and I'm most comfortable.

This blog entry essentially is my take on happiness or the state of being happy. Ok, what is happiness? Princeton dictionary says it is the state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Being a wikipedia fan, I have to add their definition as well. They say it is the state of being happy (like I didn't know that). They also say that 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. ... I like this second part.

But when is a person happy? Is happiness the same feeling as being content? Can I say that if I am happy then I am content, or vice-versa. Or does someone achieve the state of being happy when they are free of greed? If all my wishes/desires are satisfied am I happy? If I am not sad, am I happy? (definitely not going my state of mind presently). Your guess is as good as mine here coz there are no right or wrong answers to these questions.

When was the last time I was happy? I think the last time I was really happy was when I had been to India in December. It just 'felt good', it 'felt right' and that was freaking 6 months ago. It was almost after a year and a half that I felt that no one was judging me, I did not have to think before I said something, not every word that I was saying was being closely monitored, I could scream as loudly as I wanted to and no one would mark me down. Going by this, happiness would be not being depressed (well not clinically but I was very close).

If I think about the future, what will make me happy? The perfect job, the perfect boss, the perfect salary, a perfect partner who will stand by me in this otherwise imperfect world? Will perfection make me happy? NO, it certainly wont. Will I be happy to go back to India and start working there in the future? Perhaps...I do not know. One thing that I know will make me happy is, the day I start a training program in Genetic Counseling in India...and I dont see that happening for at least 12-15 years. Do I have to wait for happiness for that long then? No I don't think so...

After penning down (well not literally, typing down if you will) my thoughts, I've come to the conclusion happiness is a variable state of mind which can express itself with numerous different emotions at different times in one's life. (much like a certain four letter word which can be used to express numerious feelings!)

Any thoughts??