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Is the purpose of life to be happy? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 year ago by investorsexchange@lemmy.ca to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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When I’m unhappy, I feel like I’m doing life wrong. I’d rather be happy. But is happiness the point of life, or is there more to it? If I pursue happiness, mine first then for those around me, is that selfish? But if there’s a bigger purpose, then what about people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who can’t recall recent experiences or make plans?

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[–] Aurenkin@sh.itjust.works 23 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Up to you

[–] investorsexchange@lemmy.ca 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This seems very simple, but I think it holds a lot of truth. Sometimes I’d rather walk in the rain listening to sad songs. And that’s okay.

[–] Aurenkin@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago

I think it really is your choice what you value in life. I think it's important to acknowledge that we only have a limited time here and none of us know how much, so make sure you decide what's important to you and act on that to the best of your ability.

It's also fine to change the things you value over time too. Maybe you don't value your own happiness much now, but that could change later and that's alright. I think happiness is important though because it has a compounding effect on many areas of your life, so it's ok to be sad but if it's impacting your life a lot or over a long period of time it could be worth doing something about it.

Or not, it's up to you.