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The Pursuit of Happiness: Are We Doing It Wrong?

Authors
  • Name
    Callum van den Enden
    Twitter

Overview

This article dives into the concept of happiness, contrasting modern interpretations with historical perspectives, and suggests a shift in focus towards collective well-being for individual fulfillment.

Introduction

We're bombarded with messages about happiness – buy this, achieve that, and you'll be happy. Let me know if this has worked for you... I'd be surprised.

Typically it's worth defining a term as elusive as happiness - I would argue we typically think of happiness as a permanent state, but I believe it's more transitory. But does it have to be?

This post explores a different take on happiness, one that focuses on interconnectedness and contribution rather than individual gain. It's a perspective I find particularly compelling, given my focus on building products (like at YouQ and Brand Ninja) that aim to empower others.

The Old Happy vs. The New Happy

Stephanie Harrison, author of "New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong," argues that our current understanding of happiness – what she calls "Old Happy" – is flawed. It's rooted in individualism, capitalism, and a focus on material possessions and personal achievements. This mindset, she suggests, is a far cry from Thomas Jefferson's vision of happiness as a consequence of virtuous living and service to others.

This "Old Happy" narrative, while pervasive, seems to be failing us. The US, despite its wealth, has dropped out of the top 20 happiest nations. Rates of loneliness, depression, and mental health struggles are alarmingly high.

Harrison proposes a "New Happy" – a happiness rooted in interconnectedness, community, and contributing to something larger than ourselves. This resonates deeply with me. It's not about neglecting personal growth, but about recognizing that true fulfillment often comes from helping others grow too. (Kind of like building a product that helps people learn – nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Check out YouQ: youq.ai)

Why "Old Happy" Isn't Working

The problem with "Old Happy" isn't just that it's philosophically shallow. It's that it actively undermines our well-being. Focusing solely on ourselves, in a society that lacks a strong social safety net and promotes vast wealth inequality, creates a breeding ground for anxiety and isolation.

We're told to "think our way" to happiness, ignoring the overwhelming evidence that our environment and social connections play a massive role in our well-being. It's like telling someone to think their way out of a burning building – positive thinking won't protect you from the flames.

The Power of Interconnectedness

The "New Happy" emphasises the importance of our relationships and our contributions to the collective good. It's about recognising that even seemingly individual achievements are often the result of a network of support and collaboration.

Think about it: that ice cream you enjoyed? It wouldn't exist without the farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and shopkeepers. Your successful workday? Likely influenced by colleagues, mentors, and clients.

Even facing a personal fear often involves support from therapists, family, or friends. We are inherently interconnected, and embracing this interconnectedness is key to unlocking true happiness.

How to Embrace the "New Happy"

Shifting from "Old Happy" to "New Happy" isn't about suddenly becoming a saint. It's about subtle but powerful changes in perspective and action:

  • Recognise your interconnectedness: Acknowledge that even small actions can have ripple effects on others.
  • Focus on contribution: Find ways to use your skills and talents to benefit your community, however you define it. This could be volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a supportive friend or colleague.
  • Practice gratitude: Appreciate the contributions of others in your life. This fosters a sense of shared humanity and reminds us that we're not in this alone.
  • Reframe success: Instead of measuring success purely by personal gain, consider how your actions contribute to the collective good.

Why This Matters (Especially Now)

In a world grappling with complex challenges like climate change and social injustice, a focus on individual gain can feel not only inadequate but also counterproductive. The "New Happy" offers a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward.

It's a philosophy that aligns with my work at Brand Ninja (brandninja.ai), where we're building AI tools to help businesses scale their content creation. While our focus is on business growth, the underlying goal is two-fold: to empower people to create more impactful content – content that can educate, inspire, and connect - and to help them reach their customers more easily and more often, connecting brands with their communities.

The pursuit of happiness isn't a selfish endeavor. It's a collective one. By embracing our interconnectedness and focusing on contributing to something larger than ourselves, we can unlock a deeper, more sustainable form of happiness – a "New Happy" that benefits not just ourselves but the world around us.

See also: Ikigai