Happiness

Happiness is a big word. It is undoubtedly the most important element that we are seeking for in life. Think of it this way. Why do we go to school? It is to get better grades. Why do we want to acquire good grades? It is because we want to go to a better college. A good college? It leads to a degree and a good career path. Why do we need a good job? Because we can buy a big house, own nice cars, and have spare money that will allow us to do the things that we desire and dream for. By doing all of this, ultimately, we want to be happy. But the big question always arises; does money really equals to happiness? Are we really going to be happy if we sit in a gigantic house surrounded by luxurious furniture but living a lonely life?  I want to describe a person's life, a non- true but very realistic story. For all  "Person A" 's live, he studies very hard at school, went to an Ivy League College, and got a so-called-perfect job. He is always focused and determined on what he is doing. However, he misses out a normal life because of this; he never goes to movies, smiles, have fun with friends, and do things other than school work . What happens? He has no real friends and no real emotions. In various ways, he is bounded solely by logic. It is very true that he owns every luxurious thing that we, the middle class people desire for, but he never knows what it is like to love someone, or to be loved. Is this really happiness? Probably not. How about the other way?
Story 2 ties us into "Person B" 's life. Person B got laid off. Because of this, he and his family are living in a small and raggedly house, eating food that can barely support them, and having absolutely no savings. Even though this may sound like an extremely depressing life to most of us, but surprisingly, Person B is happy. He is blessed to be with the family whom he loves and happy about the fact that he probably will never be robbed by bandits in his life. Yet beyond all of this, he misses out an important point; he never considers if his family is happy also. Do they want warm AC in an extremely cold winter? Yes. How about birthday presents on their birthdays? Probably yes. Does he wife wants a wedding ring and some fashionable clothes that's been shown in popular magazines? Maybe yes to that one also. Does his children want to go on vacation during summer just like their classmates? I would undoubtedly say yes to that. The reality hits hard, because they have no money to spend on those things. Can they really be happy that way? No. Whether you believe it or not, but a person can truly be happy if the people he loves are happy also. If they are not happy or satisfying with their life, then Person B isn't truly happy.
I've shown two extreme examples; they are almost like a feather and a rock lying on two opposite ends of a balancing scale. But examples like this do exist. Back to the point, if happiness isn't being solely rich or with the people one loves, so what is the REAL happiness? I think happiness is about having both. I don't think you need to live Person A's life, but one should at least have a standard life, meaning that their income can support their daily needs and if possible, have some savings. It is also important to have family, friends, and lovers to complete happiness. Of course in real world, you can never have a perfect 50-50 balance. If one has to be more in a person's life than the other, I would choose the latter without any hesitation. You can always make more money if you are determined, but as for the people you love, they are gone if they are gone. We should always cherish the people that's around us and be thankful for the things we own. I talked about the rich and the poor, and their lives seem to have flaws here and there. Does that mean middle class is actually considered the most happy out of the 3 choices? Maybe yes! Although middle class always complains about unfair taxes and other daily problems, but after reading this essay looking article, does it change your mind a little? Please leave a comment! Don't forget that happiness is not about extremeness, it's about finding the right balance. Good night everyone!!