This widely verified finding is the strongest argument for more psychological research on happiness and its application (Lyubomirsky et al., 2013).

Even in ancient times, Greek philosophers were concerned with happiness and with possible ways of achieving it. Aristotle considered happiness to be the highest asset that we strive for, for its own sake (Bucher, 20018).

“He who maximizes pleasure and minimizes displeasure will be happy” (Aristippus 435 – approx. 355 BC and Epicurus 341 – 270 BC).

Happiness can only be achieved through a virtuous lifestyle” (Aristotle 384 – 322 BC)

People have always strived for happiness across time and geographical contexts, even if there are culture-specific and individual aspects of what is meant by happiness.

But why is happiness so important?

Often, we think “If I can achieve this or that, I’ll be happier”. “When I get physically fitter, I will be happier.” “If I achieve 20% more sales, then I’ll be happier.”

Amazingly, various studies show that the connection is the other way around: if I increase my well-being, then I’ll become more successful, more creative, healthier, etc.

Anton Bucher (2018) summarizes the following effects of happiness from various studies:

Happy people…

• live longer (Danner et al., 2001)
• have a more powerful immune system (more immunoglobulin A) (Barak, 2006)
• earn more (Comi, 2011)
• cause fewer road accidents (Kirkcaldy & Furnham, 2001)
• are more efficient at work and more successful at work (Achor, 2010)
• learn easier, faster and more sustainably (Endres & Hüther, 2014)
• are wiser (Bergsma & Ardelt, 2012)
• pay taxes more readily (Lubian & Zarri, 2011)
• are more creative (Baas et al., 2008)
• have more diverse social relationships (Rodríguez-Pose & von Berlepsch, 2012)

And you?

Is the pursuit of happiness important to you? If yes why?

What does it mean to be happy, for you specifically?

How would it present itself in everyday life?

Which roles do different aspects of your life play in this?

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