The "Happy" in "Happy Independence Day"

[level_head]

The commentary is from a year ago, and the poem was written so long ago that we were still flying Space Shuttles. But the feeling is quite sincere, and I’ve had much reason to put the skill discussed below to use.

Comments

[allaboutweather]

Another excellent poem Keith!

[level_head]

Thank you, and best wishes.

===|==============/ Keith DeHavelle

[deckardcanine]

Sometimes I wonder: If I were in a British American colony in 1776, with no knowledge of the future, would I support the independence movement or fear worse results? Then I remind myself that under those conditions, "I" would not be me in any practical sense. At best, there could be someone genetically similar with a remotely analogous upbringing. Nevertheless, it's worth pondering what it would take to get me behind an equally big revolution today.

I notice you don't distinguish momentary happiness from overall happiness. The person who started your conversation probably had the former in mind. But that doesn't undermine your point. For my part, I see happiness resulting from attitude rather than skills.

[level_head]

Well, the skill I was referring to is the ability to control your attitude, despite challenging circumstances. So, I think we're close to making the same point.

On the population of 1776: It is a tough call. Those that opted for fight for independence were a minority, about a third of the population at the time. The Stamp Act, the Intolerable Acts, the quartering of soldiers et cetera did not directly affect most people. We were in the odd position of having elected/appointed leaders who were personally courageous and convinced of core principles, and an electorate much less so.

Ah, if we could only get both standing on (good) principles at the same time, especially since today tends toward "neither."

===|==============/ Keith DeHavelle

[allaboutweather]

Originally the Sons of Liberty were not fighting for independence, but fought to defy George III's tyrannical acts such as the Intolerable Acts, Stamp Act and Gage's military occupation of Boston.

[level_head]

And to a certain extent, the Sons of Liberty were disparaged as a rowdy bunch of hooligans by some of the others. We forget that the Boston Tea Party did not engender large approval even by most of the revolutionaries at the time.

Later on, their approval increased. And many of them were or became famous Revolutionaries. But after the war, when they took to politics, they found themselves with strong opposition - from Alexander Hamilton.

===|==============/ Keith DeHavelle

[ext_1399643]

Is happiness a skill? Well, if happiness is a skill, then it ought to be teachable. So why don't we have courses in happiness? Curious, I started up a search engine. Top of the list? The Scientology folks. I suspect you could write a better book on the subject of happiness than L. Ron Hubbard.

When Jefferson and company stuck that phrase, the pursuit of happiness, in the Declaration, I suspect they saw the matter as Aristotle did. The pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of virtue.

What is virtuous, however, means different things to different folks. But whatever virtue is, virtue is something we can learn, and virtuous is something we can strive to be.

What a thought! A people led by leaders more virtuous than themselves. What a thing to wish for! To live in a nation where the leaders are actually more virtuous than the people of that nation. What a strange condemnation! We don't vote for virtue. We vote for unhappiness.

[level_head]

Your search probably also turned up two of my former employees, almost a decade in each case, who just by coincidence went on to teach happiness. One wrote a book, while a back injury kept him in pain and immobile. The book is called The Happiness Formula. He has added to his repertoire since then.

The other gives rather more sales-oriented talks, and he's become a sought-after motivational speaker. But for him, virtue is something else entirely, and he and I have had ... discussions about this. Not entirely satisfactory ones.

===|==============/ Keith DeHavelle

[anonymous]

This is Tricia by from Freedomthroughempowerment.com I can't figure out how to not post anonymously here.

Anywy, great post and very timely. I do belive happines skills can be tought but alot also has to do with the emotional state of a person and sometimes much deeper thereapy is needed. In my opinion the congitive behavior type that changes your thinking patterns is most effective.

Also, really what is important though is our freedom as Americans to choose happiness as we see fit as long as it does not encroach upon another's. If we would just leave things at that this would cut out a whole lot of unecessary bureaucratic and freedom stifling governemnt. Wishful thinking, I know!

You are an excellent poet by the way, I hope to see more!

[keross]

I don’t think Happiness is a learned skill so much as finding your place in the world.

I do know that it is not derived from money or material objects. I hear tale of people who have an abundance of both and are not happy. Meanwhile, there are people who have little of either yet are happy. They know who they are, where they belong and, best of all, they know love: Love of another, love of self, and love of God.

Pursuit of Happiness to me means the ability to search for that place - Be it chasing a dream, holding that perfect job, or simply finding that one special person.

Something worth thinking about. :-)

[level_head]

It seems we're describing the same thing with slightly different terminology. When you say "the ability" to find your place, that's what I am suggesting can be improved, that ability.

Best wishes!

===|==============/ Keith DeHavelle