Hankering after happiness

APROPOS of Mohinder Singh’s write-up "What’s the happiness pill"? (September 12) the goal of all human endeavour is happiness. Most people possess a materialistic outlook and their happiness centres around wealth. Money is not the end but one of the means to achieve an end which is happiness. And it is not even the best means. Its possession is no guarantee of happiness because it may lead to a desire for more.

True happiness does not result from external circumstances but always springs from within. A contented mind is an essential condition for happiness. Craving for wealth should always be subdued.However, an uncomplaining acceptance of life does not mean that we should not do our best to improve our lot.

Solon, the wisest man of old Greece, was once asked by Croesus the king of Lydia: "Who is the happiest man?" The philosopher referred the king to a poor man living in a cottage. He never desired greater wealth or better conditions than the ones he already possessed.

Unless one attains peace of mind by acting in a virtuous way and living a virtuous life, one cannot dream of leading a happy life. A poet wrote:" The happiness of humankind consists in rectitude of mind. One cannot attain happiness and peace of mind unless one has a clear conscience".

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

II

It is an established fact that money plays a vital role in the happiness of individuals but no one can deny the fact money is no guarantor of happiness. To remain happy, one should keep oneself busy. A lonely person tends to be frustrated and depressed.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA
Rohtak

III

Today man is more depressed and unhappy than ever before. Despite all material gains of increased productivity, growth and an improved management of resources, man takes refuge in drugs and tranquillisers and when they also fail to bring the elusive peace, he even turns to suicide. The tragedy with man is that those very means, with which he had sought to attain his goals become ends in themselves.

Man needs to realise that material prosperity and growth do not make one happy. Fierce competition in the pursuit of a life of recognition brings one into perpetual conflict with others. Let us realise that happiness is more a question of disposition than position.

For peace and tranquillity man must turn to Nature and learn to look within himself. Wordsworth has also said: ‘Nature did never betray the heart that loved her.’

VED GULIANI
Hisar

IV

Great writers, statesmen and eminent persons have given different views on the concept of happiness. It is for us to decide which ones suits us:—

Happiness is a wondrous commodity, the more you give, the more you have.

Happiness is a state of mind, wherein you have found peace and fulfilment.

The way to happiness is best travelled with competent companions.

Happiness must be sipped, not drained from life in great gulps.

To have joy one must share it — happiness was born a twin.

The way to happiness is made much brighter by applying the principle "Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you".

Happiness is an expression of appreciation for the things which we have now.Happiness is today. Happiness is now.

Happiness is in the journey, not in the destination. Happy is he, who has found self and has lofty, noble aspirations.

Zest is the secret of happiness, of well-being.

Happiness is knowledge and unhappiness is ignorance.

Happiness is activity, it is a running stream, not a stagnant pool.

The three secrets of happiness; see no evil hear no evil, do no evil.

Happiness keeps up the spirit of the one who possesses it and brings a smile to the lips of others.

Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ garden.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

V

The poet Tennyson conveyed a great message to humanity when he said the "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of". In the course of our daily prayers we gain an unshakable conviction that God protects those who lead a pious and noble life. We develop an optimistic outlook on life and lead a stress-free life.

Even doctors now accept that prayers enhance the prospects of psychological well-being and prolongs one’s life. Nothing gives the human mind so much strength and confidence as a prayer based on faith.

S.K. SHARMA
Ludhiana

Shivani

This refers to the interview of noted Hindi novelist Shivani by Belu Maheshwari (September 12). It is sad that she has stopped writing because too much commercialism has crept into today’s publishing world. If Shivani has been forced to surrender before market forces as she is in no mood to sensationalise her writings, one can well imagine the fate of new writers who are not prepared to dole out fantasy in the name of literary writing.

Is there no hope of reviving the era when idealism was embodied in a person? It appears no genuine writer can flourish in the present market-oriented environment which has forced even the writers like Shivani to live in relative anonymity.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Dr Radhakrishnan

I read the article "Dr Radhakrishnan — An ideal teacher" by Randeep Wadehra (September 5). Radhakrishnan considered education a second birth. And we pay homage to him by observing a complete or half holiday on September 5. Either the institutions are closed or the teachers abstain from teaching. Is it the right way of paying homage to him?

Instead, teachers should work in a more dedicated manner on that day. They should tell their students about Dr Radhakrishnan and his teachings. They should spend the day in inculcating healthy values in children.

RAJ
Ambala