The term “pursuit of happiness” can be found in the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. This statement relates to the freedom to participate in any activity that offers one joy. The activity in question does not violate other people’s rights or the law. The pursuit of happiness is a major life goal for many, and in its absence, a person can become disoriented and depressed. The fact that many individuals earn a living by making other people happy infers that it is vital to pursue happiness in the first place. Pursuing happiness can mean many different things to many different people, such as working out, experiencing, or taking pleasure in bliss. This topic was addressed in the essay titled “The Lost Meaning of “The Pursuit of Happiness” by Arthur M. Schlesinger (1964). This text analyzes how the phrase “pursuit of happiness” should be used to address a common misunderstanding that has long existed regarding this phrase, as well as how it should be corrected.
In the opening paragraph of his essay, Schlesinger (1964) demonstrates how the phrase “pursuit of happiness” was first used in the United States after the country achieved its independence. Once people understand what “pursue” implies, they will be able to comprehend the full significance of this sentence. The method in which Schlesinger (1964) has chosen to use this sentence can be interpreted in various ways. Many individuals have concluded that “pursuit of happiness” refers to the process of consciously looking for fulfillment in the life of an individual. It is possible that the phrase was utilized for various purposes, such as the practice of medicine or the investigation of legal matters.
A conundrum occurs when one considers the possibility of employing the phrase either for the sake of practice or as an objective. In the letter that Edmund Burke sent, he claims that one’s brain is guided by a constitution that forces one to go on a search, which is a feeling similar to that of exercising (Schlesinger, 1964). Additionally, it has garnered the interest of academics, such as James Otis, who asserted that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the satisfaction of its citizens (Schlesinger, 1964). Thus, happiness may be seen as an essential component of every nation and the most significant goal of civil society.
Striving for well-being is a natural phenomenon for all individuals. According to Schlesinger’s (1964) essay, happiness is a valuable commodity in human life. Human emotions and ideas, on the other hand, are fluid. Acedia and honor, two of humanity’s once-dominant human values, have declined in popularity and been entirely erased in today’s contemporary culture. It is because contemporary society prioritizes laziness and superficiality over integrity and morality. There is a lack of faith in the vocabulary established to convey morals such as values and emotions. Schlesinger (1964) asserts that contemporary views of happiness are more pragmatic and less philosophical, primarily emphasizing what may be called “happiness strategies.” The most critical issue to be answered is not what happiness is but rather how pleasure may be obtained (Schlesinger, 1964). The author goes on to underline that despondency and melancholy are today considered the opposite of pleasure from a medical perspective (Schlesinger, 1964). It would appear that the chemical response mechanisms in the brain are responsible for producing happiness.
While analyzing the ways to correct the long-standing misinterpretation of “pursuit of happiness,” one can note that a potentially powerful method is to label Schlesinger’s (1964) position on the role of government. The human is a social creature, and despite the existing rights and freedoms, the control by the authorities determines the corresponding opportunities that people can realize. Disincentives, such as material scarcity or poor healthcare conditions, are negative factors that contribute to inadequate perceptions of happiness. Self-reliant, many citizens are forced to solve their problems on their own, although, as Schlesinger (1964) notes, the government should assist them in this. In other words, being in society, a person has the right to count on help from those who have control powers because “it is a government’s duty to the governed “to effect their safety and happiness” (Schlesinger, 1964, p. 327). This factor is essential to consider to redesign the long-standing misinterpretation of “pursuit of happiness.”
There is a need to focus on setting priorities and effectively managing time to participate in the most significantly enjoyable activities rather than living in abject poverty with the hope of being happy in the future. Consequently, the concepts of happiness prevalent in current times are more pragmatic and not necessarily philosophical; more specifically, there is a focus on what one might refer to as “happiness strategies.” Therefore, the ability to achieve well-being may be regarded as a valuable skill, and successful people, as a rule, have clear development courses.
The analysis of what the misinterpretation of the phrase “pursuit of happiness” is fraught with and how the situation can be corrected helps reveal relevant ideas on the nature of external support. This is crucial to take into account the existing principles of life in society, particularly the role of government. Helping people meet their individual interests is an important aspect of the participation of authorities in the lives of their citizens.
Reference
Schlesinger, A. M. (1964). The lost meaning of “the pursuit of happiness.” The William and Mary Quarterly: A Magazine of Early American History, 21(3), 325-327.