Two Types of Happiness
According to Dr. Waldinger, "research shows that happiness can be divided into two main types. The first is hedonic well-being, which consists of short-term joys and pleasures."Right now, I am happy because we are having a pleasant conversation.He adds that such emotions can change throughout the day.
The second type, eudaimonic happiness, is much deeper. It is the feeling that life as a whole makes sense and is worthwhile, even if some days are challenging. According to the scientist, most people strive for both types of happiness: for immediate joys and long-term inner satisfaction.
The Illusion of Success
Many still believe that happiness comes with success, wealth, or social recognition. However, as Dr. Waldinger emphasizes, scientific research debunks this myth."You can be successful and wealthy and still not feel happiness. Yes, that is possible, but these things alone do not make us happy," he says. "Many people who have received significant awards, such as the Nobel Prize, fall into depression realizing that it did not make them truly happy."
He points to a common myth in society: "If I become rich, famous, and receive many awards, then I will be happy." But in reality, such a scenario rarely works out.
Small Habits, Big Changes
Dr. Waldinger asserts that "happiness can be cultivated because it can be created. One of my mentors used to say: happiness is a chance occurrence, but we can make ourselves more receptive to that chance."He explains that while it is impossible to guarantee constant happiness, one can create conditions that foster its emergence.
"Although we cannot be happy all the time, we can introduce elements into our lives that increase the likelihood that we will be happy more often," the scientist continues. "This is related to more active interactions with other people, caring for them, and maintaining social connections."
Meditation, developing a sense of gratitude, and spiritual reflections help people realize the value of their lives and strengthen connections with others.
Happiness and Relationships: A Look at Classic Ideas
Dr. Waldinger notes that even classic notions of happiness are not always supported by modern research. In response to the famous phrase by Leo Tolstoy from "Anna Karenina" – "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way" – he offers a different perspective."I disagree. I think Tolstoy was wrong," he asserts. "In fact, it's quite the opposite." He refers to research by American psychologist John Gottman, who studied family relationships.
"Unhappy families and couples demonstrate typical recurring patterns of behavior. Their negative emotions are predictable, their reactions are similar. Therefore, I believe that unhappiness often develops along similar scenarios," he explains.
Modern Challenges
Modern life presents us with new complexities. According to Dr. Waldinger, the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the essence of happiness but weakened social connections, isolating people from one another.While social media can help maintain contact, passive observation of others' lives sometimes leads to the opposite effect: people mainly share joyful moments, creating the illusion of a perfect life.
It's easy to start thinking that others are always happy, and we are not.Robert Waldinger recommends using digital platforms primarily for communication.
Advice for Young People
Modern youth face serious economic challenges – from rising housing costs to instability in the job market. This heightens anxiety about the future. Once again, community plays a key role."Living a full life is much easier in the company of others than trying to cope with difficulties alone," Dr. Waldinger emphasizes, noting that social connections can help in finding jobs, housing, and support.
Supporting the concept of happiness as an important aspect of development, the United Nations is changing the understanding of progress. Through the Sustainable Development Goals, aid programs, efforts to combat poverty, and access to education and healthcare, the UN creates conditions for people to feel safer and happier. This is not just about short-term emotions but about building fairer societies where everyone has a chance for a decent life, the expert emphasizes.
Dr. Waldinger's main advice for the international community is to focus on what unites people and not succumb to those who sow fear and division.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmghERCpR3I.
