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[–]M23W0OH7FV2t 25 points26 points27 points 7 years ago (6 children) | Copy Link
I wonder how much of this is linguistic in nature -- English has no distinction (that I can find) between long-term and short-term happiness. So, people conflate the two. After a period of sex (or lifting or whatever), one enters a temporary state of bliss -- the key word being "temporary".
And we seek to find the same "high" and persist it.
[–]cmith99 12 points13 points14 points 7 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
That's a good point I've never really reflected upon. I'm sure many people have been confused by people telling them to pursue what makes them happy - only to find that they understood them incorrectly.
[–]eccentricrealist 2 points3 points4 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
And the greeks had eudaimonia, which is fulfillment and happiness in the long term
[–]ArthyRed 5 points6 points7 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
As humans, we are inconstant and relative beings. Everything is constantly changing in and around us. The word "happiness", even when it's not being confused with "pleasure", may convey the idea that you'll be constantly happy, all the time, even on the long term. A "happy life" is made of happy moments and unhappy ones. It's daunting and reassuring at the same time (this actually depends on how you see it). Bad times can turn into good times, and vice versa. I think the concept of "meaning" is taking the place of "happiness", it may encompass this idea of an inconstant state of happiness, but it probably has some downsides too.
[–]Senior Endorsed Contributormax_peenor 1 point2 points3 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
long-term happiness = stability and comfort
short-term happiness = excitement
Happiness itself is a vapid concept. Certain drugs can make you feel happy without doing anything tells you that it's just a reaction and not a state in itself. I find it easier to quantify if I recognize them as I listed above.
[–]ChadowyFigure1 point 7 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link
English has no distinction (that I can find) between long-term and short-term happiness. So, people conflate the two.
He said, making the distinction using English. Language doesn't constrain thought; English speakers are obviously perfectly capable of understanding the difference between these concepts and do so all the time.
[–]roboisdabest9 points 7 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
Happiness is a by-product of purpose. Find purpose, and the rest will come.
"Don't waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come."
[–]THEdirtyDotterFUCKr 5 points6 points7 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
It seems, IMO from my experiences on this sub in particular, the noobs think that by fucking <this female> will make them alpha and everyone is going to want them.
The abundance of females is a byproduct being a better you. which should be more like a never-ending trail as opposed to a mile marker.
That aside, OP has an excellent point
[–]Lothras 4 points5 points6 points 7 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Great post. Currently at the very start of my TRP journey and you gave me some valuable insight. Are there any books you can recommend me on the topic? Anything by Schopenhauer or about meditation or stoicism? Thanks a lot!
[–]cmith995 points 7 years ago [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
Glad to help. Meditation: The Mind Illuminated by John Yates is an absolutely amazing guide from just beginning meditation to becoming an adept meditator.
Schopenhauer: The World as Will and Idea is very good. Can be difficult to read at times due to vocabulary but is fine after the first few pages.
Stoicism: You should definitely read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, pretty much bible of TRP along with Handbook/ Enchiridion by Epictetus. Not directly stoicism but would also recommend The Last Days of Socrates by Plato.
[–]VeryTalentedCheff 3 points4 points5 points 7 years ago* (0 children) | Copy Link
Schopenhauer isn't a good recommendation for someone who wants to better themselves because if you take it at the face value it is very likely to lose hope and motivation. Although he has good observations dont forget that he is coming from a once very rich albeit broken family. His mother was a controlling bitch, his father was an unsuccesful businessman who sunk their family wealth and killed himself. Schopenhauer never had to work in his life, whats left from his family was enough for a humble living but nothing more, his past and his education made him believe he was superior to uneducated masses but he wasn't able to keep up with people he deemed his equal so he became bitter, the more he became bitter the more he was ostracized and he only saw darkness and stupidity everywhere he looked because somehow he had to find a way to protect his own ego. If he was just one generation up in his family tree, we probably wouldn't know him as a writer, he was more inclined to music, politics and language, if he was just one generation down he would be accostumed to his new class and would probably become one of the lesser men he was talking about.
How do I know it? I have a very similar past and his works and life helped me immensely to not give up to be like him.
[–]ariky5 points 7 years ago [recovered] | Copy Link
Yeah if I understand the context well, I agree with you. I’ve got a startup business. Being an entrepreneur is some of the most alpha things a man can do imo. I always decide what I’m gonna do, always leading the business. I make my mind and execute. So direct to the point. Even the worst things happen to me affect me 1 day at most. The other day, I internally know that I’m the head of business and the leader shows up whatever the situation is.
Keep fighting. You can only win.
[–]teabagabeartrap 3 points4 points5 points 7 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I appreciate your post and like it very much.
As I'm still a little young in my mind, I would love to know, if you got things you "live for"?
As I was 18 I always had the plan to live in this or that way. My example was to be part of a motorcycle club. But then you turn like 25 and realize, that there is none you feel fitting in. And then you have to decide to do with your life.
I can imagine, that a lot of people feel this way maybe with marriage. They want a girl, they want to marry, they get onenitis, then find the red pill because happenings... and then they don#t know what is the next goal. What is the endgame.
Do you believe, that it's just existing, till existence ends? Just to have a good time as much as possible and then die?
I would really be interested in the optinion on this from someone who writes such postings as yours.
Cheers mate!
[–]cmith99 5 points6 points7 points 7 years ago* (0 children) | Copy Link
Thanks for your comment. I won't get into philosophizing about death (could go on forever) however I don't believe that a 'soul' or our consciousness will continue to live on after death. I do think though that existing may continue although in a way that we can't begin to comprehend, relating to the "thing-in-itself" or will as Schopenhauer puts it.
Personally, meditation, powerlifting and learning are the things I "live for". I have not yet finished university however I hope I can add my job to this list. I used to lack a lot of direction but meditation really helped me to gain a clearer vision and path concerning life in general, and gave me much more meaning. I cannot recommend it enough. I would recommend the book 'The Mind Illuminated' if you would like to get started! Reading stoicism and other philosophy also greatly helped me sort out my life.
I however know very little, these are just things that helped me and I hope help you!
[–]sealift 2 points3 points4 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Success does not equal happiness. Enjoy the process. Have a goal, push through, but make the journey the goal as well.
[–]FwoGiZ 1 point2 points3 points 7 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
I read somewhere that money/happiness wise, you max out at about 75K$. Anything extra you make will not make you happier. If you make under, then your happiness starts taking a hit.
So this kinda salary, and taking care of your own self thru lifting, healthy eating, sports, meditation, reading and the rest will follow. Works for me anyways! I don't care about women, I will not live with one or share anything but my D with one but yet they flock around me and we have great relationships.
[–]GutseeAAS 0 points1 point2 points 7 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I live in Texas and make more than 75k. It's nice, but I definitely would be happier with more money and I'm not someone who blows their money. I really feel like that study is bullshit. Try taking a private jet to any where in the world you want any time and tell me that you're not happier than you would be with 75k.
[–]FwoGiZ 0 points1 point2 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I feel ya.. obviously it's an avg # and everybody is different. I for sure damn wished I could go wherever I want, whenever I want... but would it REALLY make me happier? Cause I mean as it is, when I work hard and use my time off to travel, I absolutely enjoy every single minute of it because it's fun, not usual, different and feels like I deserved it.
With more money, I'd also never need to work... why work if you can just have fun? Would it make me happier though? who knows... If someone wants to use me as a test subject please go ahead, pm me and I'll send you my banking info and I'll start living like a millionaire right now and we can see if I'll be happier lol
[–][deleted] 7 years ago (7 children) | Copy Link
[permanently deleted]
[–]openoids 5 points6 points7 points 7 years ago (4 children) | Copy Link
Be careful what you wish for.
[–]PS2Errol 1 point2 points3 points 7 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
May you live in interesting times.
[–][deleted] 7 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]openoids 2 points3 points4 points 7 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
living indefinately might be a curse
[–]seemsonormal1979 2 points3 points4 points 7 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Immortality will come (has always been attainable) by way of nature (internal), not science (external).
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[–]M23W0OH7FV2t 25 points26 points27 points (6 children) | Copy Link
[–]cmith99 12 points13 points14 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]eccentricrealist 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]ArthyRed 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Senior Endorsed Contributormax_peenor 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]ChadowyFigure1 point [recovered] | Copy Link
[–]roboisdabest9 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]THEdirtyDotterFUCKr 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Lothras 4 points5 points6 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]cmith995 points [recovered] (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]VeryTalentedCheff 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]ariky5 points [recovered] | Copy Link
[–]teabagabeartrap 3 points4 points5 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]cmith99 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]sealift 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]FwoGiZ 1 point2 points3 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]GutseeAAS 0 points1 point2 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]FwoGiZ 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] (7 children) | Copy Link
[–]openoids 5 points6 points7 points (4 children) | Copy Link
[–]PS2Errol 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]openoids 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]seemsonormal1979 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link