The science of happiness is a growing and intriguing field. Research about what truly makes people happy is not only surprising, but applicable no matter how much money we make or where we live.
Join moderator Katie Couric and a panel of experts in psychology, business, neuroscience and design for a Roundtable discussion about the happiness and sense of wellbeing that elude so many, but are sought by all.
Kurt! Yo KURTSTER! Get in here and clean up this mess!
He started this party with a discussion on "the Pursuit of Happiness" in the context of the Declaration of Independence. That particular phrase replaced "Life, Liberty, and Property" in earlier drafts, signifying that property was equated with happiness. "Property" is more than chattel; it is the freedoms that accrued to the individual under natural law. "We hold these truths to be self-evident," the founders proclaimed, arguing that personal freedoms could not be taken away not just by the King, but by any mortal.
Is there a "war" on personal rights? Who is waging this battle? And is it reasonable to expect that no change in the assessment of freedoms cannot have happened over 230 years? If we are to allow that, then we also allow our concept of natural law has been altered, perhaps irrevocably. Did this happen due to an enlightened treatment of women, slaves, and minorities? Was it also prompted by a much smaller, crowded world, one where land rights must be tempered by impacts on neighbors?
I think this is the concept of happiness on which Kurt was seeking discussion. The founders would be puzzled by modern lamentations of personal happiness, which would fall squarely in the realm of priests, ministers, and God.
Hi, took a week off. Saw the flames coming. Did a major decompression.
Then Newtown happened so I figured I better stay away for awhile longer.
Your statement above is spot on regarding my intentions. The questions you raise in the second paragraph are most excellent and where I hoped this would eventually go. I especially like your extension of the meaning of property.
Perhaps I should change the title from war on happiness to war on property ?
I know it's a work-in-progress for you, but I think it's presumptuous to present these ideas to others especially when you don't always follow it yourself. I'm not talking presenting general ideas in a conversation as it relates to only your own life, you are foisting it onto individuals you feel need the info over and over again. At this point, It can almost be equated with religion being shoved down a throat. It's condescending to assume someone can't find their own self-help. Let the individual seek it out if they want it. We all know where to go if we want the info.
maybe you can start a thread to discuss the various philosophies with anyone that might be interested instead.
I know it's a work-in-progress for you, but I think it's presumptuous to present these ideas to others especially when you don't always follow it yourself. I'm not talking presenting general ideas in a conversation as it relates to only your own life, you are foisting it onto individuals you feel need the info over and over again. At this point, It can almost be equated with religion being shoved down a throat. It's condescending to assume someone can't find their own self-help. Let the individual seek it out if they want it. We all know where to go if we want the info.
maybe you can start a thread to discuss the various philosophies with anyone that might be interested instead.
Thanks for your suggestion. It didn't start out as a lecture, just part of the conversation about happiness.
We already 
