Definition of

Happiness

Paternity

Sharing time with loved ones usually generates happiness.

The first thing we are going to do before analyzing the term happiness at hand is to determine that its etymological origin is found in Latin. Thus, we find the fact that this word comes from the word felicitas , which can be translated as "fertile."

Happiness is a state of mind that involves satisfaction . Whoever is happy feels comfortable, content and pleased. In any case, the concept of happiness is subjective and relative . There is no happiness index or category that must be achieved for someone to be considered a happy person.

Happiness according to biology, anthropology and sociology

From a biological point of view, happiness is the result of fluid neural activity, where internal and external factors stimulate the limbic system .

There are many studies and scientific branches that have focused on analyzing in depth the concept of happiness and it is the goal that all people seek throughout their lives . Specifically, we come across the fact that both philosophy and anthropology, sociology or psychology have the former as a working element.

So while what anthropology does is investigate how different cultures have known that happiness is one thing and not another, sociology studies what are the social factors that contribute not only to what each individual considers as such but also to achieve the same.

Fullness

When you achieve a goal, it is common to feel happiness.

The view of psychology

For its part, within positivist psychology, which was founded among others by the American psychologist Martin Seligman, we find a branch called the positivist paradigm. A figure is that, like the remains of members of said scientific area, considers that happiness is the fruit of the sum of positive activities and positive emotions. Specifically, examples of the latter would be satisfaction, bodily pleasure , pride, joy or optimism .

Human beings usually feel happiness when they achieve their goals and when they manage to solve the different challenges they face in their daily lives. In cases where this is not achieved, frustration occurs that leads to loss of happiness.

People who feel self-actualized and fulfilled are more serene and stable, since they achieve a balance between emotional burdens and rational burdens.

Happiness and money

There are those who believe or feel that happiness is related to material goods and money . That's why there are phrases like "Money doesn't make you happy, but it helps." It is that money is the necessary means for the satisfaction of human material needs; Once these are satisfied, the individual tends to look for products that provide greater happiness.

On the other hand, religions and people with a preference for the spiritual associate happiness with a state of soul where the being feels at peace . This state can be achieved with a personal relationship or with the bond with loved ones, for example.