Monday, June 14, 2021

The Illusion of External Happiness



The pain of life is we imagine happiness is found outside ourselves. The world and its pleasures are illusions, so pursuing worldly pleasure and false happiness is inviting more pain and bondage rather than freedom. The temporary dissolving of pain via pleasures is but a momentary escape. For this reason Schopenhauer claims happiness is a negative state as it only denies temporarily the positive reality of pain. So, alternatively connecting with inner well being, good health and a cheerfulness not dependent on outer conditions is the key. Not to pursue pleasure but reduce pain and all unnecessary suffering is the way of freedom and ultimate peace.

JDZ