Happiness is abstract, an ideal, existing only in the mind. In today’s society, there is an unerring pressure to be happy; it is the sole goal for humans to achieve happiness. John Stuart Mill in his autobiography, A Crisis in My Mental History: One Stage Onward, asserts that individuals should focus on other pursuits and let happiness find them rather than forcing themselves to be happy at all times. The nature of happiness is a pleasant sentiment. However, striving to be happy is predominantly counterproductive. In other words, the pursuit of happiness often leads to unhappiness. Therefore, I acquiesce with Mill’s assertion that people should just let happiness come naturally.
Mill states, “I never, indeed, wavered in the conviction that happiness is the test of all rules of conduct, and the end of life.” One’s decision making can be influenced in their endeavors to seek happiness at cost of disregarding those close to them; they are so caught up in the process of pursuing happiness that they will start making decisions that can negatively impact the people around them, even those they they love. Mill then states, “But I now thought that this end was only to be attained by not making it the direct end.” Happiness is best attained by not making it what we directly strive for. Mill thinks that one should not aim to be happy, but rather find happiness as a side effect in other pursuits.
Mill then states, “Those only are happy (I thought) who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as means, but as itself an ideal end.” While pursuing one's own self-interest is not necessarily bad, one would be a better, more righteous person if one's life was based upon following a path designed to enhance the greater good, not only for themselves, but for others as well. Thus an outcome is doing the right thing for the right reason. Humans are social creatures and one good turn gives another; happiness is infectious and you should bring it to others. Studies suggest that bringing happiness to others can bring happiness to the benefactor as well.