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· In India, we have a Hindi proverb that lays down four basic ingredients of happiness, in order of priority. It translates as: first, happiness is a healthy body; second is prosperity; third, a devoted spouse, and fourth, obedient (closely bonded) children. So, happiness is not self-centred but flows from interaction with the family and society. Despite having good health and prosperity, one may find happiness elusive if one is deficient in one or both of the last two elements. Their absence will generate a feeling of emptiness, of not belonging. In fact, based on these four considerations, even a Calcutta slum-dweller may turn out to be happier than an affluent banker in Switzerland. – Vishwa Pal Singh, India.
· People have finally realized that the current economic system is not suitable for developing our well-being and happiness. Our economic system, in fact, is creating problems: widespread pollution, poverty, refugees, terrorism and wars are a consequence of the curse of having so many resources. I believe that the World Health Organization’s definition of health as ‘physical, mental and social well-being’ comes closest to defining happiness. Iwan Soetjahja, Philippines.
· Genuine happiness comes when one does selfless service without wishing for a reward. – Arun Sethi, India.
· I believe that happiness comes to those who work at it, and not to those who chase after it. It is a result of our positive actions. It cannot be measured by any known statistical tool, nor can it be expressed as a function of how much money one earns. Even work-related success does not guarantee it. I agree with Robert Kennedy who attributed it to family, devotion to one’s country, and the strength of one’s personal character. Here in Africa, amidst wars, hunger, diseases and political unrest, we still find a beautiful reason to smile every day – family. This is what keeps us going. There’s always someone willing to share your problems, to listen to your complaints without charging $200 per hour. This is probably the reason there’s such a low rate of suicide in Africa. – Osoego Elochukwu Anthony, Nigeria.
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(From Newsweek, 2007.)
1. Happiness means… 2. Being happy implies… 3. People in India see no point in… 4. Iwan Soetjahja argues that the modern materialistic world is not suitable for… 5. The advance of the current economic system results in… 6. In Mr. Anthony’s opinion, working at one’s happiness is preferable to… 7. He is grateful to his family for… 8. Happiness is not worth…
b) Compare the idea of happiness as seen by the four respondents above and the writer of the article Pursuing Happiness In a Complex World
(exercise 4). Use the phrases suggested below.
· compared with, in comparison with
· similarly, in exactly/precisely the same way
· unlike, by contrast, however, on the other hand, while
· in reality, on the contrary
c). What is your own idea of happiness?
