Such an interesting analysis and summary of his views on happiness.
Really glad to see you quote the Harvard study. It has also become one of the centrepieces of my outlook towards life.
To be frank, it feels great to see writers like you explore topics on human nature since I've also dug into them in my newsletter. I looked at research on Montaigne's views on humans, do check them out if you can.
This was a really nice essay to read, Gunnar. Looking forward to reading more from you!
Ah, this reminds me of the Freud quote (which I assume was really said by him) about love and work being all there is to life/humanness.
I really believe that when you have something you love to do and people you love to spend time with, you’ve made it. Love this and makes me want to learn more about Bertrand Russell — I know so little!
I might disagree with Freud about the 'work' part, but that's likely because I'm thinking about it in a narrow way - I like your 'doing something you love' interpretation more ;).
I know so little too; good thing we can learn from each other.
Lovely essay; shocking how we already have so many answers but still need reminding. Russel was espousing a very Christian sentiment, in the end, I think.
Simple but hard is such a common refrain. Like losing weight or quitting smoking or being a good friend. It’s easy to cloak frustration or weakness as confusion, so we can spend time gathering information rather than acting.
“happiness is found in the invisible bonds that bind us.” So simple, so true! Many thanks for a thoughtful essay on the most elusive feeling in western culture.
Such an interesting analysis and summary of his views on happiness.
Really glad to see you quote the Harvard study. It has also become one of the centrepieces of my outlook towards life.
To be frank, it feels great to see writers like you explore topics on human nature since I've also dug into them in my newsletter. I looked at research on Montaigne's views on humans, do check them out if you can.
This was a really nice essay to read, Gunnar. Looking forward to reading more from you!
Thank you so much, Yashraj!
Glad to hear you found it interesting. I'll certainly check out your thoughts on human nature.
Ah, this reminds me of the Freud quote (which I assume was really said by him) about love and work being all there is to life/humanness.
I really believe that when you have something you love to do and people you love to spend time with, you’ve made it. Love this and makes me want to learn more about Bertrand Russell — I know so little!
Thanks for reading, Rose!
I might disagree with Freud about the 'work' part, but that's likely because I'm thinking about it in a narrow way - I like your 'doing something you love' interpretation more ;).
I know so little too; good thing we can learn from each other.
Lovely essay; shocking how we already have so many answers but still need reminding. Russel was espousing a very Christian sentiment, in the end, I think.
Simple but hard is such a common refrain. Like losing weight or quitting smoking or being a good friend. It’s easy to cloak frustration or weakness as confusion, so we can spend time gathering information rather than acting.
Thanks for reading, Chip!
That's a great point, paralysis by analysis is a very real obstacle (one I have to admit I deal with often...).
“happiness is found in the invisible bonds that bind us.” So simple, so true! Many thanks for a thoughtful essay on the most elusive feeling in western culture.
Thanks, Geoffrey!