Happiness 101, By Arthur Brooks And Adam Green

Multiple viewpoints concerning happiness exist, such as how one can attain happiness, and the different types of happiness. Two different perspectives on happiness are proposed in the articles by Arthur Brooks and Adam Green. Happiness 101, by Adam Green analyzes Thomas Aquinas writings on the attainment of happiness and the types of happiness. Love People, Not Pleasure, by Arthur Brooks focuses on how individuals attempt to achieve happiness by accumulating material wealth and objects. However, it is Brooks’s opinion that material objects cannot allow one to achieve happiness, but loving people is how happiness is attained. Reflecting on a happy individual gives me insight to how the ideas proposed in the two articles relate to everyday life.
Thomas Aquinas presents the idea of imperfect happiness, and he holds the view that two types of happiness exist which are imperfect and perfect. Imperfect happiness is attained by disregarding one’s own wants and desires. By observing, and interacting with her it is evident that she lives for her children to help them succeed. For example, she works many shifts each week to provide all of the necessities for her children while at the same time using her earnings to place her children in extracurricular activities. In addition, to this she is the primary driver for her children, and she transports her children to activities when she is not working. This example serves as evidence, Jane interests are her children’s well-being and success. Her response would be that focusing on others, and not one’s personal interests brings one happiness which is not temporary. She holds the belief that loving others allows one to have fulfillment in
My career goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist, and through this profession I hope to aid veterans, and individuals with developmental disabilities. My perspective is the benefit of helping others will outweigh the cost which the high stress level associated with being a clinical psychologist. Helping others with their difficulties will allow me to feel fulfilled in my life, and this fulfilment will ultimately bring me happiness. This idea directly relates to Brook’s idea of love people not things, and I agree with this concept. A love for material objects is temporary because these objects can only bring one happiness for a short time. However, the fulfillment of helping suffering individuals is a lasting happiness. Aiding others as a clinical psychologist will allow me to aid in the improvement of ones well-being while giving me