The Pursuit of Happiness: Understanding Contentment and Joy in Today's World

Is happiness a state of mind that vanishes after a period of time, or is it a state of being that stems from contentment? While happiness has no exact definition, dictionaries often describe it as a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. This feeling can be influenced by both external and internal circumstances. Several people were interviewed to understand what happiness means to them, and similarities such as fulfillment, peace, and joy emerged from their definitions. This is not too different from the idea of happiness proposed by the philosopher Plato, who saw it as contentment and fulfillment.

Understanding the perception of happiness is crucial as it sheds light on how different individuals experience and define their own well-being in a rapidly changing world. We find ourselves in an era where many people, especially youths, seem dependent on social media. One might think their joy lies there. However, interviews with youths aged 20-24 years revealed a different story.

Faith described her presence on social media as just for fun, stating it has no impact on her overall happiness. Ife and Sonia mentioned it has a little impact, whereas Nonso stated social media has no impact whatsoever on his happiness.

Other individuals aged 25 years and above, like Martin, Elji, Serge, and Chidi, also indicated that their time on social media does not dictate their general happiness. These responses suggest that while some people enjoy social media for fun, they keep their lives in balance through other activities.

When asked about the activities that keep them happy? Ife mentioned pursuing creative passions and helping others. Martin finds joy in reading, choral singing, writing, and spending time with his partner. Faith enjoys singing, dancing, watching football, and playing games, similar to Nonso, whose happy activities include playing games and watching anime. Chidi derives happiness from playing football and being with his loved ones. For Elji, it’s moments shared with his partner, praising his Creator, playing with friends, and doing what he loves (journalism). These diverse perspectives highlight that happiness is deeply personal and multifaceted. While some find joy in creative pursuits and helping others, others derive contentment from simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies. 

While personal activities and social connections are crucial for happiness, academic and career success also play significant roles. Most of the people we interviewed, who are students and workers, agreed that academic or career success does play an important role in their happiness. The only one with a contrasting view was Elji, who believes that career success is good but doesn't really impact his overall happiness, as it’s more like a means to an end.These responses highlight that the importance of academic and career success in one's happiness can vary widely among individuals. For some, professional achievements are integral to their sense of fulfillment, while for others, happiness is derived from different sources.

The exploration of what happiness means to various people can reveal valuable insights into the universal quest for well-being and by  recognizing the diverse factors that contribute to happiness, from personal relationships and career satisfaction to spiritual practices and hobbies, we can better understand how to cultivate a fulfilling and joyful life. 

It is no news that a happy life is essential for good living. Although circumstances can sometimes make us depressed, we must always find reasons to be happy. As author Steve Maraboli said, "Happiness is not the absence of problems; it's the ability to deal with them." For readers seeking to improve their own happiness, explore activities that resonate with your passions and values. Most importantly, as actress Audrey Hepburn quoted, "The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy is all that matters."