It's funny that the more I grow in age the more it seems that so-called happiness is actually determined more by what you DON'T have rather than what you do have--sickness, debt, drama, strained personal relationships, a painful family divorce, a job that you absolutely hate, and so on. Not having these things is more and more becoming my idea of what "happiness" is actually about.

The more we pursue feeling happy all the time, the less satisfied we will become as pursuing something only reinforces the fact that you lack it in the first place. - Allan Watts The backwards law.

Now at 42, I value peace in my life way more than happiness and you don't need much to be at peace with yourself.

Joy NOT pleasure Wishing NOT craving Caution NOT Fear

My experience is: leaving your daily surroundings, your house, your country can change the way you think. When my husband died in 2018 I went into mourning. I really thought I would never get over it. After five years I decided to leave my country, The Netherlands, skip the winter and enjoy the soothing climate of the Algarve, Portugal. And then a miracle happened. I could let go of the loss, the sadness, the guilt, the lost dreams. When you're in a different culture you get confronted by the trivial things people worry about in your own country. It's good to see the situation from a distance. A lot of people think their country is the centre of the universe. But The Netherlands are so small, you can hardly see it on the globe. And still politicians act like they play some major role in worlds history. I think it's refreshing to live in a different culture for a couple of years. You learn what's important and what's not. You don't get caught up by some feeling of ridiculous nationalistic superiority. But you also recognize what rules,laws or habits you value.

I love cocktail of stoicism and buddhism. It brings me inner peace.

I’m a materialist, in that I love materials. Solid good quality wood, textiles and stone. Things of beauty made by people passionate for their craft. That makes me happy.

Gratefulness is Happiness. Theres my enlightenment. Being “Rich” just gives you more things to be Grateful for.🧘🏽‍♂️ Gratefulness IS Happiness but we just don’t realise it. Be Grateful about Everything and you will be happy forever.

“People settle for a level of despair they can tolerate and call it happiness.” ― Søren Kierkegaard

I left behind most of my possessions to travel the US for a couple years. It was either that or "unaliving" myself. That's how i felt at the time. I decided to metpahorically do it instead. It ended up helping me realize that my perspective was severely limiting me, and i learned who I really am. Traveling and homelessness were very spiritually enlightening for me.

It's funny because I don't see traveling as something that brings pleasure only. A couple of months ago I was hiking with my brother in La Patagonia. He was very tired and told me: is this really you idea of fun? And I told him: when did I say that traveling was fun? I said it was interesting! I traveled for 3 years in a row, and it was amazing because I knew that it was not gonna be pleasurable all the time. Sometimes I had to sleep in horrible cold places, sometimes I had to wait by the side of the road for so many hours in the pouring rain, extreme heat or snow storms. Sometimes I just had rice to eat, or a 1 euro burger from McDonald's. But then I would meet incredible people, hike to an amazing view, eat something delicious, and those little thing would bring huge joy. And even when things were going bad, I was still grateful for them, because they made me stronger, wiser and resilient. Now I'm having a ver calm life in Chile. I have passive income from something I created when I went back to my country in 2020 and I'm reconfigurating my views on happiness, pleasure, fun and fulfillment since my options of things to do are completely different. And I believe that's the way to be contempt, just go with the flow and accept change.

Happiness is good, the feeling we get when we laugh at a joke or eat tasty food. But contentment is consistent, the peace we feel when we live in accordance with our virtues.

Our notions of happiness entrap us. We forget that they are just ideas. This idea of happiness can prevent us from actually being happy. We fail to see the opportunity for joy that is right in front of us when we are caught in a belief that happiness should take a particular form. As long as we keep attaching our happiness to the external events of our lives, which are ever changing, we’ll always be left waiting for it and the tragedy of an attachment is that if its object is not attained it causes unhappiness. But if it is attained, it does not cause happiness; it merely causes a flash of pleasure followed by weariness, and it is always accompanied, of course, by the anxiety that you may lose the object of your attachment.

I have a brand new car, 10K in the bank, bills paid, my own place and plenty of food…maybe not happy but definitely not depressed or stressed out.

The 3 mental fallacy’s or illusions 1: Hedonic adaptation ( the illusion that more is more hides the fact that the mind adapts to pleasure, exitement) 2: Fear of missing out ( others say they are excited at about the next new thing, or of a laysure habit/lifestyle. When reality is that they are often insecure and fish for validation or are marketing/influencing to profit) 3: Shiny new object fallacy ( the illusion that new toy will bring 10X joy. That a ring to 10000$ will bring 10x the joy, than a ring to 1000$, when in reality it’s maby 1-5% more joy over time) Chaseing the « next thing» ruins lives. Even marriges go broke because people are fool’s. Trowing away a good partner for a short term dopamin hit

Awesome work. Over the last few days, I've been thinking a lot about happiness. And you've described exactly how I feel. Feeling full of life in the moment. Tasting a cup of coffee in a sunbeam. Walking in nature and simply catching some pristine air. Gazing at the golden light of a city in a distant skyline. Happiness is there, just grab it. A successful life is a conscious one

pre-meditated pleasures and the expectations that come with them are ultimately not going to be a dependable source of happiness. We are better off tapping into the infinite possibilities of the present moment. I once had a friend who would get really excited for his birthday every year, hyping the day up weeks in advance, and when it came he would always cry because his expectations were too high and it was never what he thought it was gonna be

I find I have many a flourishing existence when I am out for a walk. Like you, while walking, I listen to music or podcasts or just the sound of the universe doing its thing.

7:02am and as soon as the sun rose i got a notification for a new einzelganger video. good timing

💯👍Like Carl Gustav Jung said "Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity."

If you want long term happiness try this: completely abandon your search for 'self' happiness instead focus on making the people around you happy. This paradox is the secret of lasting satisfacion hence happiness. I can recomment this practise to everyone although it won't always be easy.

Agree with consuming in moderation as balance is key in every aspect of life. I relate more to people who are down to earth and stay grounded at the baseline regardless of anything external. Joy, peace, and truth/enlightenment are the highest frequencies and are certainly not found outside of oneself. So when we know ourself, there's intention behind actions without expectations about how events will pan out. I engage in nightlife, which could be considered hedonistic, and enjoy traveling, though it’s because I love music, dance, and learning about different cultures -- not to escape myself (anymore) or to chase happiness. Your insights are appreciated and glad you're feeling better.

I traveled tho not so vast. A few countries, learned, ate different foods & met a few people etc. I don’t find it very appealing ! So I care less to travel. I do road trips, fishing trips, hikes, exercise .. 🏊🏻‍♂️ and spend a lot of time in quiet solitude. Spend time with family & friends & my loved one’s, feed the hungry etc … Yet I am quietly happy in small things. Not material things. I have a contented heart and live a simple life .. yet I live in abundance ! I’m happy some of the time. Not all of the time ! Stay Blessed ☕️🙏

Happiness isn't just knowing what you want and going after it. The other half is knowing what you don't want and avoiding it.

Very true this is the video I needed ! Thankyou so much 😊

Thank you for sharing! So true, it’s very peaceful to be content with what you have! 🙏❤️

My goal for the near future is to reduce the amount of suffering I face in my life-rather than chasing lofty goals, perhaps I can bring myself to a healthy baseline in this way

I want to thank you for your work on this channel. I have enjoyed your videos for a long time and have always learned something.

Your 3 books are changing my life. Thank you so much ☘️

Einzelganger, first thanks for all your videos, I recall being in school thinking I love to travel so at age 22 I begin traveling, I went to many states in the United States 22 different states so many cities and towns I could not begin to count just how many, and I travel to many places I never been before that was 44 years into my past life, I discovered wherever I went to my thinking went with me, so, I turn to self-learning that why I listen to your videos I find much pleasure in listening and watching videos and its lot least stressful than actually getting on jet planes, catching trains, driving a vehicle to all those places I also went on a ship that was so scary for me. Many things seem more frightening than pleasurable to me than anything else, so I appreciate your videos it gives me pleasure to listen and watch than going out in the real world to travel. Thank you again.

4 years ago I moved to Spain. My friends ask me are you happy there. It doesnt work like that, you bring yourself and all that goes with it. Happiness is in moments and the rest is being contented or counting your blessings. Spain is in many aspects a blessing and I prefer being here than in a cold and wet country with many stressed people. Yet many expats here are very unhappy as they suffer from being disconnected to their friends and family. So going away short or long term needs a stoic approach. Being locked up in an apartment in spain with rain is a blessing because all spaniards will be super happy as it didnt rain on the coast for months..... so go out to the bar and enjoy the cheerful crowd, thats the stoic approach. Just like you got to enjoy japanese healthcare. Glad you're feeling better, we need you!

It's always a pleasure watching your videos

More than seeking material pleasures, my search for happiness often simply goes back to solving the problems that arise in my life. One curious aspect of this cycle is that solving those problems leads me to paths of knowledge I would not have taken spontaneously and teaches me lessons I would not have sought intentionally. In this regard, this pursuit seems to be a bait to force me to gain some wisdom as well as become prosperous in the process.

Excellent video! Great reminder that chasing happiness is futile. It seems that chasing anything ends up being more of a negative experience in life. Instead, gratitude, contentment, and practicing the stoic virtues has helped me. It definitely takes practice letting go in order to work towards it, from my experience, easier said than done.

I came to this understanding at the end of my marriage. Chasing the Jones is a short lived rush that leaves you feeling empty most of the time

Thanks for another great video, always makes my day :)

I never have any expectations nor have any idea of happiness or whatever. I just do what I want to do. Don’t think of anything. I think it’s simple and more often than not, I’m at peace…

I think realizing that happiness and pain for that matter are both short lived is an incredibly powerful insight. It allows us to make more intelligent choices on how we spend our time and money. We should also not forget that challenges and adversity are a critical part of the formula in putting this whole project of happiness in its proper perspective. Even some challenges can be pleasurable with the right mindset. Thank you , excellent video sir.

Your videos are excellent!! Thank you

As taught in Pure Land Buddhism, the happiness that we know of is called "relative happiness". It is relative because this kind of happiness depends on external event and/or object. I.E If you bought a new car or you land your dream job ; these makes us happy. Since we depend our happiness in temporary objects or events, relative happiness doesn't last. When the relative happiness is gone, we chase next one that will make us feel happy again. Like a drug addict, we repeat this cycle again and again until we die. Pure Land Buddhism teaches that we should strive to attain "absolute happiness". This kind of happiness is absolute and it doesn't depend on external event or happiness but rather depends on our mindfulness to our own mortality, understanding of the reality of our world (impermanence), and the believe of what happens to us after we die. it is important to understand the nature of our happiness so that we understand why we suffer chasing it. This is the best answer I have found. I am sharing it to anyone who suffers just like me.

I value my peace and that alone brings me happiness 😊 also raising my children as a single mother drama free and raising them on my terms and rules with no one telling us what to do. In fact we do whatever we want at home. That brings me happiness

The fact that we're all looking for happiness while living life, tells us something about the nature of life.

This is totally me! I get really exited for some event and I always imagine how would be the event, all the fun amazing things and if it wouldn't happen like I imagine I get really disappointed. In a few month I will go to extraordinary trip and I try not to be extremity exited for this

We should consider ourselves Not so much With the pursuit of happiness But with the happiness Of pursuit (Hector and the Search For Happiness)

Every time I try to hide from happiness, it finds me.

Love your work.

Schopenhauer was right intellectual pleasure. Epicurus was right engage in limits to pleasure. Epictetus was right ignore events outside your control. Walk in Nature and be Happy.

the brain can be your ultimate enemy if not controlled. no wonder major companies takes advantage of this weakness. but it doesn't have to be that way, people need to be more aware of this and take over. it can be yourworst enemy but you can also make it your strength.

The video I was waiting for

Beautiful video!

Another great video big dawg

One of ur best videos ❤

Man I just love you and your vids

There are moments very seldom when, I whish time would stop flowing, freezes in itself to preserve this instant for me, then I see a beauty of the life and feel myself connected on a deep level to this world. I called it for myself feeling of existence. They are very rare events But then, this moments gone, feeling of missery, anxiety and despair overhelm me again. But most often life is only succession of hope and despair between themselves

Doing nothing is a task that we forget to do, or some people will feel guilty doing nothing because than they think they are not worthy, that"s not the case at all.

Great as always❤

seems some people really like working a new job until they don't. I find happiness in learning technology that can help me and others around me, makes me feel like i've accomplished something good for others. People look at being rich the wrong way, I see being rich as a measure on how I've helped people with a productor or service. Don't ask how can you get rich, ask how can you help others with what you have.

Watching your videos adds to my happiness 😊

The less your chase anything the more it comes to towards, it’s the law so pursuing materialistic things is tricky, on the other hand virtues lead to success on both sides of the spectrum Materialistic and also spiritual mental and physical well-being

Happiness comes from within. Start there. Change your perceptions=change your life ❤

I prefer contentment over happiness. It's independent from external factors and doesn't leave an emotional low once the hormonal rush of happiness is inevitably depleted. Dhamma and stoicism ftw🖖

Thanks!

please make a podcast TT i love your videos so much!!!!

As I grow older I realise one thing: You will find happiness when you realise it is nowhere to be found haha.

"....I don't mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom..." -- Jiddu Krishnamurti

A mind that wants to be happy will find a way to be happy, despite circumstances. My struggle is wanting to be happy to begin with.

I’m happy because I’m not happy. I’m thinking at least I I got a chance to live, and although I’m not happy, I’m happy I got the chance and experience it.

I've learned that the only way to sustain happiness is to never stop seeking it. So I try to find ways to improve myself through different experiences. For example, I want to travel and experience other parts of the world, but I do it for the purpose of improving my worldview and empathy for others. I exercise, for the purpose of improving my appearance and testing my physical limits. I love to eat and it brings me happiness to explore and appreciate different flavors. I'll never run out of ways to be happy because I'll never run out of ways to improve myself. Additionally, this guarantees I never take these experiences for granted. I'm typing this after just finishing a challenging workout. I'm feeling pretty happy and I'm looking forward to improving next time.

Happy Thursday earth 🌎

Awesome video 👏 so true

Your videos almost come in perfect timing for me

I remember reading about this in economics and the studies on this Social comparison and where you sit in your local social group was the biggest indicator of base happiness outside of the base level you were given genetically or came across after early childhood Basically if you are unhappy now you will probably never be content / happy

Thank you!

Being creative is another wonderful way of stabilizing hedonistic pleasures. Just be careful. Looking to those to “like” your creations can place you back at square one.

Such an accurate account of life, i have devoted much time the Buddhist practice, however I'm not able to become a monk, excellent video, thank you for all your efforts,,

Very good video. Makes sense.

It’s a failure of planning. You just have to sequence the happiness events in such a way that when the dopamine hit from the first event is about to dissipate, you move on to another event. So, you stay happy forever.

Thanks for sharing. I also like walks too. :)

Travel forces us to deal with new circumstances and possibly new or unknown languages and communication. Therefore it ‘grows us’ or peels away our layers exposing ourselves to ourselves. 👍🏼👍🏼 for travel. Go where you’re slightly uncomfortable! 🎉

Would LOVE a video on how to cope with health problems mentally.

There is a saying from cowboy philosophy that echos that Socrates quote. "No matter where you go, there you are".

While it is true that people tend to return to a baseline level of happiness, almost independent of external events, I think that it is possible to alter your personal baseline by changing your attitude to things. By practicing things like gratitude, looking for the positive in every situation, looking for the positive in other people and so on, you can shift your baseline level upwards. Similarly, by doing the opposite you can shift it downwards. I certainly, am much happier than I used to be.

muchas gracias por los videos, los veo casi siempre antes de dormir :3

As a man, only creation will make you feel full of success.

I'm so glad this has been noticed.

I would highly recommend anyone who likes this to checkout the book Siddharatha by Hermann Hesse. It's quite beautiful and most definitely enlightening. Wishing you all love ❤️

Great video as always. I’ve got some travel coming up, but I can’t really say it’s to pursue happiness What I can say, is, it can be really fun to observe and participate in other cultures different from my own, eat different food, see different architecture, and art, and maybe even make some friends along the way Whether that makes me happy or not, I’ve gotten to the point of my life where I’ll just let “happy” come when it comes Have you done a video on the coincidence of opposites? When people seek to be happy, are they actually more just trying to get away from malaise and sadness and boredom and depression? I once heard someone say that you could decide to be happy anywhere you are at any moment, regardless of the circumstances I’m not sure that’s completely true but I like the concept Sorry to hear about what happened in Japan, that’s rough!

The simple things in life is the most sweetest.

Amazing video !! quality information always! please can you do a video on great zen masters like Hakuin, Ryokan, or Takuan Soho. Thank you 🙏🙏

Perhaps it is our attachment to the pursuit of happiness that is the problem? After all, the Buddha taught us that attachment is the cause of all suffering. I left the US over two years ago, chasing the carrot dangled by KZfaq travel channels, it did not go as advertised. 🙄 That said, I have had some experiences that I am grateful for, the "lessons," I experienced were not horrible, and I learned much. Perhaps your experience in Japan was similar, a mix of the anticipated pleasure, unexpected pain, and perhaps preparing you for a return trip. Life is a constant mix of both anticipated, and unexpected, whichever it is, our choice determines how the path goes. Today I am happy, not ecstatic, just content I'm breathing.

This has me thinking, what if we seek activities that are non pleasureable or painful? For example, I've been coding lately. When I finish a tutorial and I'm tasked with doing a project, I feel pain even reading what I have to do for the project. But as I pursue the painful experience, I feel pleasure from many things: seeing how my code does stuff on the screen, feeling accomplished for doing something hard that I didn't think I could do, etc. Maybe there's pleasure in chasing painful experiences. (I'm sure this isn't always the case. Don't intentionally break a bone to get pleasure)

Happiness is always there , now at this time i am happy,but there is not big reason for it, i am happy, because i said myself that i am happy there is no reason for being sad, for being happy we have to be just happy,there is no need to keep a goal or desire and follw them for becoming happy,even you can become happy in pain ,just you have to say to yourself that this felling of pain is do good it givs me pleasure,it real pleasure and then you rally become happy. Just you have to change the perspective.

If happiness or contentment points to the lack of discontent or unhappiness due to dissapointment or aggravation, then one could assume that, depending on strength of character - the degree of fortitude to overcome misfortune, how reality is interpreted or understood, every normal, emotionally intact human being will experience both happiness and sadness (or dissatisfaction and discontent) on and off in his life. We grow in understanding the realities impacting our lives according to our own perceptions of what is good or bad for us specifically. This awareness causes us to be happy or not.

thanks

My plans for travelling are more based on the experience of seeing other cultures and satisfying my curiosity rather than to seek the short-term pleasure itself. That is to say, my reasons will still grant me short-term pleasure

We should take in consideration that in Buddhism exist "a way in middle", where there is no duality, and so pain and pleasure are not exactly opposites.

Excellent Video my fellow wolf

"Chasing happiness" is like running uphill against a crowd to catch a bus already pulling away. Cultivate contentment instead.

I just recently finished an essay on happiness. It was definitely inspired by edutainment like this.

I used to snort a lot of coke, take MDMA, eat mushrooms, drop acid- and in those experiences I was very happy- but sure enough, it was fleeting, temporary, ephemeral happiness, or exalted ecstasy. Now that I'm old, I find happiness in little things. Curious and quite interesting, I enjoy watching episodes of "Locked Up Abroad" as it shows how bad things can get and how my simple life- having a hot shower and good food, well, for those unfortunate prisoners- it is a dream- to be free, to take a hot shower and just relax. Chasing wealth, love, or fame has a very high price. It's best to appreciate the little things- like listening to a cat purr.