How can I be happy is a good question to ask, once in a while, from us. As If I ask 1000 people what is their goal, or meaning of life, they will say being happy, as an answer. So, how to be happy is the next question which should follow. Before moving on following is a quote from Denis Diderot the philosopher on happiness.
“Happiest are the people who give most happiness to others.” — Denis Diderot
He does not claim he is the happiest person on the planet. This is just an observation. If you truly want to become a happiest person for few seconds, follow my previous trick. But I am sure you are not trying to be happy for a few seconds. You need a lifetime of happiness, and it seems, advice from great philosophers comes handy. It doesn't matter they were not the happiest, we just need their knowledge. Bottom line is I believe above is true. That is why I write this article to explain why. Now, a little background on Denis Diderot as a curtesy.
Background on Denis Diderot
Denis Diderot (1713-1784) was a French philosopher, writer, and art critic, best known as the co-founder and chief editor of the Encyclopédie, a monumental work that aimed to compile and disseminate knowledge across various fields. A prominent figure of the Enlightenment, Diderot’s contributions to the Encyclopédie were instrumental in challenging traditional authority and promoting secular thought. His works often explored themes of science, philosophy, and art, reflecting his materialist and often controversial views. Despite facing censorship and financial struggles, Diderot’s legacy endures as a key intellectual force behind the Enlightenment movement.
To understand why, making others makes you happy, you need little bit of wisdom about how our mind works. As, that is not the main point in this article, I will only give a summary. If you want to read more, you will find following articles helpful. (Shadows and reflections, consciousness, you are what you see)
In summary our world is made up of reflections of 'real' world observations. These reflections are made by our sensory organs in our consciousness. This conscious, internal world is the only one we can comprehend. Even the other people are just reflections of your own mind.
How to be happy? Denis Diderot way.
It is just a shared view about the world, with me and some other philosophers of the past I believe. Let's not give it a name. More importantly let's assume above is true. Now, can you see, why Denis Diderot is true? Imagine you are trying to help some other person. By doing this you are making happy reflections in your own mind. After all the people you are helping are your own reflections. No wonder Denis Diderot is right. There is no point fighting with the reflections, even if it is your enemy. Even your enemy is a reflection in your mind, and if you chose a fight over peace, I could warn you, you will destroy the happiness which is inherent to your mind. Yes, happiness is inherent to all our minds, as long as we do not disturb it, and brings clarity to our mind.
Next steps.
Personally, for myself, I think knowing about these simple facts about life, brings me happiness in unexpected places. And I truly believe, a person (a mind) deserves this kind of happiness. Obviously, it doesn't come from food, cloths, or luxury cars. They are just comfort to body. As humans, our minds crave higher order of peace. And mindfulness is the path for such wisdom and peace. Let's embrace magical mindful living.
Thank you for reading How to be happy? Denis Diderot way.
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