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Originally Posted by slingblader  We studied this in psych, from that perspective. Their are basic needs everyone needs - survival, a sense of safety, food and shelter essentially. This things allow someone to be "content" but that no longer really applies to humans. Under that logic an abused child would be "happy." The model is based of a more regular animal kingdom though, and as far as I know humans are the only animals capable of that.
Beyond that, there is a need to belong, and a need for accomplishment and recognition. These cannot be filled before the lower levels, and it is this that allow for the happiness you're talking about (from a psych point of view). |
As far as basic needs go, what im talking about is beyond just that. But im also interested about how these are acheived in todays society? We say survival, shelter, food etc, are basic needs. In todays society does that mean its important to be wealthy? If so how much wealth would you say you need to achieve "optimal" happiness?
So a need for social contact and acceptance and for recognition for acomplishments? I can agree with that. So how does this relate to todays society, is it important to have a job? (to have a sense of accomplishments and recognition for them) Of course socialising is important for the sence of acceptance.
What about the issue of self-love/self-hate, self-confidence? I don't believe that you can be happy if you do not love yourself, although its a cliche. I suppose maybe this is where "you need to learn to just find pleasure in things" might come into the discussion.