Library Director’s NotebookAugust, 2011 I like reading how-to, self- help books every now and...

Mon, 08/01/2011 - 4:20pm -- KChin

Library Director’s Notebook
August, 2011

I like reading how-to, self- help books every now and then.  Who doesn’t want some tips on how to lose weight, be more organized, or grow bigger tomatoes?  However, the book I recently read, The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt takes on a bit more serious topic: how to find happiness by studying what the ancients had to say on the topic.

I like that The Happiness Hypothesis searches many ancient texts from many lands, cultures, philosophies, and religions.  I have always believed that no one set of ideas, be they Buddhist, Christian, Native American, Jewish, or any other belief or culture had a lock on the ultimate understanding of humankind and our quest for a happy and meaningful life.  Quoting the wisdom of Buddha, Christ, Mohammad, the Old Testament, the Bhagavad Gita and the Greek and Roman philosophers among many others, Haidt looks for ten common threads or agreements between these beliefs and then examines and amplifies each belief to see how it might apply to modern, twenty first century life.

For example, Haidt examines the idea and practice of reciprocity, a belief that appears in just about every human religious or philosophical creed.  The chapter begins with a quote from Rabbi Hillel:  “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow; this, in a few words, is the entire Torah; all the rest is but an elaboration of this one central point.”

From the Analytics of Confucius we read this regarding reciprocity:  “Zigon asked: ‘Is there any single word that could guide one’s entire life?’ The master said: ‘ Should it not be reciprocity? What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.’ “

In exploring this theme further, Haidt examines the famous scene in the Godfather I movie where an Italian immigrant named Bonasera begs a favor of the Godfather on his daughter’s wedding day.  The Godfather replies:  “ I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade; made a good living… you didn’t need a friend like me. But now you come to me and you say, Don Corleone, give me justice. But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship.  You don’t even think to call me Godfather. Instead you come to my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you ask me to do murder, for money.”

In addition to explicating upon this famous scene, Haidt also offers intriguing information on psychological, controlled studies done by scientists who observe how people react to perceptions of reciprocity, including acts of fairness, greed, or selfishness that we, as “ultra social” creatures, are likely to be affected by. Finding ways to serve both self interest and offer reciprocity, at the same time, seems to be one of the reliable paths to happiness.

This book is bursting at the seams with excellent, inspirational, stimulating quotes from religious leaders, philosophers, writers, artists, and  psychologists, all of whom have tried to put their fingers on the pulse of what causes people to be happy (contented, satisfied, at peace, etc).   Reading The Happiness Hypothesis won’t necessarily make a person happier, but it will make them aware of how happiness can be attained, perhaps opening up new channels of thought, action, and reflection that might bring more frequent moments, if not a lifetime, of happiness!

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