Advertising, Happiness and The End of The World

Part I:

Happiness is a difficult thing to define as it can mean different things to different people. For me genuine happiness comes from surrounding myself with the people that I adore most in this world. I am happiest when I have an authentic connection with another living creature, or when I have the opportunity to make someone else happy. In other words, I am happiest when I am surrounded by love.

Although most people can relate to that sentiment, happiness can still vary from person to person. For this reason, I think that although a national happiness index is an interesting concept, it does not seem very reasonable. Happiness is not constant. As much as we all want to believe in happily ever after, there will always be lows in addition to the highs. In fact, happiness wouldn't be nearly as wonderful if it weren't for these lows that teach and humble us every day. Therefore, an entire nation's happiness can not possibly be determined through a series of questions and statistics as emotions will always be far more complex than that.

Part II:

In Kurt Vonnegut's short story I've Been Called a Luddite, a man goes down to his local post office to deliver some of his writings to his typist friend. Being somewhat old-fashioned, the man prefers this traditional method of getting ever day tasks as opposed to using the shortcuts that technology often provides. In this sense the theme is rather simple and apparent in the part of the story in which the man describes his phone conversation with his typist Carol. He simply states "I love to talk to people".

While technology may be far more convenient then traditional methods of getting things done, Vonnegut emphasizes the small, everyday joys that come with doing things by hand. I would agree with this sentiment. I believe that one's ability to use or have access to technology does not necessarily coincide with their happiness. Although it is increasingly difficult in today's society to get by without understanding how to use computer, there is something beautiful about the intimate human interactions that one tends to enjoy far more when not burdened with the fast paced, hyper-organized nature of modern technology. This idea of intimate spotaniety is perfectly summed up in the slogan of the piece: "We are here on earth to fart around. Don't let anybody tell you different". Sometimes the most joyous moments in life come from not knowing what comes next.

Part III:

The New York Times article "But Will It Make You Happy?" suggests that consumer goods and happiness do not go hand and hand, and that they can even be polar opposites. The article emphasizes the emotional dangers that can coincide with a material focused lifestyle, especially in today's fast paced society. While people are constantly trying to "keep up with the joneses" by following the latest trends and buying the newest gadgets, they tend to become accustomed to this constant change and in turn, lose the feeling of excitement that comes with it. "Over time, that means the buzz from a new purchase is pushed toward the emotional norm". 

While a minimalist lifestyle does sound quite appealing, I found myself relating to the Fashion blogger referenced at the end of the article. "'No way,' says Hayley Corwick, who writes the popular fashion blog Madison Avenue Spy. 'I could pull out things from my closet that I bought when I was 17 that I still love.'" Fashion is a form of expression. In my mind, pairing pieces together that ultimately creates something that is uniquely me, is an extremely fascinating and exciting process. However, this does not mean that I don't think that pairing down on material items is a good idea, in fact, I full heartedly support it. The reason I will always love shopping for clothes is because I am passionate about what I am buying. This being said, indulging yourself for the sake of your hobbies can be a joyous experience, the danger comes when you stop spending thoughtfully and start spending constantly. 

Part IV: 

Here is a song that represents happiness to me. <3

Song: First Day of My Life
Artist: Bright Eyes