Having said this, even this form of contentment is a result of positive thinking and positive action, with a stroke of good luck occasionally lending a helping hand. In essence, it stems from one's willpower in relatively favorable circumstances. But is it not curious to suggest that happiness can be categorized? Isn't there just happiness and unhappiness? I don't think so. The happiness that the wise person speaks of is compatible with adversity. It is primarily an internal state – while externally, the only requirement is that the sage remains alive and capable of thought. It is a feeling of tranquility, of being at peace with one's situation and conscience, as a well-adjusted and fully committed servant of life, humanity, and the divine as they perceive it.
No matter how aware they are of the subjectivity – the individual limitations and thus imperfections – of their perspective, the sage lives by it with unwavering fidelity, while also being willing to critically reevaluate it when they recognize a misstep. Their wisdom is an ongoing work in progress, always tinged with some form of folly, leaving them vulnerable to mockery. Therefore, they cultivate humility, compassion, and humor. They both mock and forgive themselves and, above all, strive for improvement. There is no complacency, only an acceptance of their humanity that they are committed to elevating to the highest possible degree of truth and nobility. This delicate blend of resignation and effort alone – in any situation, whether favorable or not – is indeed the secret of their happiness, admittedly a dry form of joy that fills the mind rather than the heart.
Consequently, this happiness leaves something to be desired: happiness in the fullest sense (a state of fulfillment when everything aligns in terms of results and efforts), a joy so sweet that it fills both the mind and the heart. When the sage experiences this supreme happiness, they rightfully feel blessed and are aware of its fragility. Moreover, they accept this fragility, acknowledging that suffering and ultimately death are on the horizon. In the war of life, only battles are won, and it will inevitably end in defeat despite valiant efforts to prevail.
Consequently, this happiness leaves something to be desired: happiness in the fullest sense (a state of fulfillment when everything aligns in terms of results and efforts), a joy so sweet that it fills both the mind and the heart. When the sage experiences this supreme happiness, they rightfully feel blessed and are aware of its fragility. Moreover, they accept this fragility, acknowledging that suffering and ultimately death are on the horizon. In the war of life, only battles are won, and it will inevitably end in defeat despite valiant efforts to prevail.
I count myself among these advocates of reason, these skeptics for whom the only source of meaning lies not in a paradisiacal destination, unsupported by credible evidence, but in the journey itself – a challenging and uphill journey, to be sure, filled with twists and turns, some favorable, others not. In my opinion, this journey is worthwhile independently of the aforementioned destination, which people are free to pursue blindly or regard with skepticism (and detachment, in the best case). It is about the dignity of living and loving and the pleasure of succeeding in these challenging endeavors. From this perspective, the purpose of life is nothing other than life itself, in partnership with our fellow beings. Happiness is made possible – within certain boundaries – by our pursuit of this noble, albeit humble, purpose.
I count myself among these advocates of reason, these skeptics for whom the only source of meaning lies not in a paradisiacal destination, unsupported by credible evidence, but in the journey itself – a challenging and uphill journey, to be sure, filled with twists and turns, some favorable, others not. In my opinion, this journey is worthwhile independently of the aforementioned destination, which people are free to pursue blindly or regard with skepticism (and detachment, in the best case). It is about the dignity of living and loving and the pleasure of succeeding in these challenging endeavors. From this perspective, the purpose of life is nothing other than life itself, in partnership with our fellow beings. Happiness is made possible – within certain boundaries – by our pursuit of this noble, albeit humble, purpose.
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