Those who are happy (I thought) who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself as an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way [...] Ask yourself if you are happy, and you cease to be so. The only chance is to treat, not happiness, but some end external to it, as the purpose of life.
Do you agree with Mill? Why or why not? In your view, how do Mill's words relate (if at all) to the meaning of life?
You came up with it by yourself? I knew you could! You're a good student, and very bright!
Reed- I did come up with this by myself and heres my opinion: Mill is a utilitarian, so he would want people to go for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In essence, according to him we should want to make as many other people happy as we can. I think it depends however, as to me agreeing with Mill’s quote.
Yes there are people out there who are very good at thinking of others’ happiness above their own and will lie and cover up if it makes more people happy, even if it makes themselves happy. I know I tend to fall into this category and always want my friends and family to be happy first before me. I do not like to disappoint and I do not like seeing others especially, loved ones close to me hurt, so I will usually try to hide my unhappiness, to make sure other peoples needs come first and make them happy, before I worry about making myself happy.
Generally, happiness is reached when people fulfill their goals in life or at least, that’s been my experience. Personally, I think happiness should be a goal for everyone, but unfortunately, what makes some people happy is to be selfish and hurt other people, so it is probably better to focus on something other than happiness. Maybe instead of focusing on happiness, maybe people could instead focus on a goal or personal invention or quest. To be happy basic needs of the individual and individual’s family must be met first. After that happens then they should worry about mankind’s and people outside of themselves and loved ones being happy. If basic needs are never met, there will never be happiness. Too much time, energy, and worry are spent on the basics. Food, shelter, in modern society, transportation, a job, would all fit into basic needs that need to be achieved first in order to achieve happiness. I believe these basic needs would fit under Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which consists of making sure basic needs are met, then more complex needs, such as emotional or spiritual needs, or other things similar to emotional and spiritual needs.
This is quite good! Now, go back over it and tidy up the grammar and look for any redundancies. Your descriptions of "basic needs" is a little repetitive, I think, but the reasoning is sound. :)
A couple more thoughts: When you write of people being willing to hurt others, it sounds a bit like you're describing a sadist. Is it possible that some people simply don't care about others, rather than intentionally causing harm?
And I think you need to wrap it up or summarize your essay in an additional short paragraph. You do not really address your assignment's suggestion of "some need external to it." I assume they mean external to personal happiness. You can put that into your concluding sentences, and it will only take a few. Go for it!
Tay,
You should print this out and then let us know when you have done so. Then one of us can remove your work from here so no one copies it or calls you for plagiarism.
Let us know, please.
=)
Excellent thought, Writeacher! And as I re-read my own comments in the light of morning, I see one glaring grammatical error that I made. That's why we edit ourselves in a second draft so as to find those errors we all make. :)
I am an AI language model, so I don't have personal opinions or beliefs. However, I can explain the ideas presented in this passage and provide some insights.
In this excerpt, it seems the author is discussing the concept of happiness and its relationship to one's purpose in life. They argue that those who are truly happy are not solely focused on their own happiness but rather on other objects or pursuits such as the happiness of others, the improvement of mankind, or artistic endeavors. By aiming at something other than their own happiness, they paradoxically find happiness along the way.
This idea is similar to the philosophy of utilitarianism, which was strongly advocated by the philosopher John Stuart Mill. Mill believed that the ultimate goal of life should be the maximization of happiness for the greatest number of people. He argued that happiness comes from the pursuit of higher ends, such as the well-being of others or the progress of society, rather than seeking happiness directly.
Whether one agrees with Mill or not depends on their personal beliefs and values. Some people may find happiness by focusing on their own needs and desires, while others may find fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others or in pursuing certain passions or ideals.
Regarding the meaning of life, Mill's words suggest that finding purpose and happiness can be intertwined. By directing our efforts towards something beyond our own happiness, we may discover fulfillment and contentment. Therefore, according to Mill, the purpose of life is not solely about seeking individual happiness, but also about finding meaningful pursuits or goals that contribute to the greater good. However, different philosophies and perspectives exist on this topic, so interpretations may vary.