A gentle breeze blew, and a rustling sound was heard in the trees. On the Harvard campus, a student sits alone on a bench, holding a thick sociology textbook in his hand, his brow furrowed. He closed the book in distress, his chin in his hands, and fell into deep thought.
The question that the teacher had asked in class today came to his eyes – what is the essence of happiness? A proposition that seems simple, but makes countless people difficult. The teacher said that it took Harvard University 75 years to finally give a satisfactory answer. This aroused his great curiosity.
After leaving the classroom, he flipped through various sociology books, hoping to find the so-called "ultimate answer". But the book discusses more about how to define and measure happiness than about its essence. He was confused and disappointed.
Hey, what are you thinking? A person looks distressed. A gentle voice suddenly interjected. The student looked up, it was his buddy Jack.
Ah, I'm thinking about the question that the teacher mentioned today, about the nature of happiness. "The teacher said that it took Harvard 75 years of research to come up with the answer, but I couldn't find the relevant information." Do you know what it is? ”
Jack sat down, also lost in thought. After a while, he said, "I think I read it in an autobiography of Harvard's founder. Probably this means that the essence of happiness is to have a strong connection with others. ”
Bonding with others? The student repeated with some surprise.
Yes, according to the autobiography, the founder did a survey in his later years, and invited professors from various Harvard schools to work together on a question - what is the most important thing in life. Jack continued, "After a long discussion and research, they came to a consensus that the most important thing is to build close and deep relationships with others, like family and friends. This is the most precious and happiest part of life. ”
The students were deep in thought. Indeed, bonds with family and friends were very important in his life. Every family gathering and reunion with friends brings him great joy and satisfaction. Is this the essence of happiness?
But I don't think it's enough to rely on relationships. After a while, the student said, "Individuals also need to have inner peace and contentment. ”
Jack nodded in agreement, "You have a point. After all, the happiness that comes from relying on others is limited, and when a person is alone, the inner needs are especially important. ”
I remember being said in psychology class that in order to be happy, an individual must meet three basic needs. "The first one is to build positive relationships, like we just discussed. The second is to have a goal to take on and achieve, which can bring a sense of accomplishment. The third one is what you call inner needs, like satisfaction with life. ”
That's right, it seems that we can't define happiness from just one perspective, it's multifaceted. "It's like we can't rely on others alone, and we can't rely on ourselves alone. Happiness requires us to strike a balance on different levels. ”
The student nodded, a relieved smile on his face. It turns out that the essence of happiness is not a simple answer, but needs to be understood and grasped from multiple dimensions. It is not only about the love of others, but also about the respect and growth of the self. Achieving happiness requires cultivating positive relationships, but also building an inner sense of contentment.
We should be grateful for every good little bit in life. Jack continued, "The company of family, the support of friends, the joy of achieving a dream, and the unique feeling of doing something you love. When we learn to cherish these things, we can find meaning in life. ”
The student feels like he understands what the teacher is saying. Happiness is not difficult to pursue, it is hidden in the bits and pieces of life. It is important to have a grateful and positive mindset.
At this time, the bell rang melodiously throughout the campus. The students looked up to see the teachers and classmates in the school building walking out one after another, ready to go to the cafeteria for dinner. He got up and patted Jack on the shoulder, and the two joined in**, chatting as they walked.
The students turned their heads, and the setting sun cast a golden yellow on the lawn. He knew that at this moment, spending this time with his friends laughing and laughing was happiness itself.