Confusing Happiness With Satisfaction

Or, on the other hand, confusing the term "happiness" with the consequences of responding to a sense of social obligation. In the final analysis, perhaps happiness and personal satisfaction are one and the same thing. Still, I'd go for a broader interpretation, in that happiness is inclusive of and responds to personal satisfaction. And one's adherence to a sense of social obligation is part and parcel of that larger emotional state.

You must, after all, respect yourself. And being an individual with no sense of social responsibility, no sense of obligation toward others, bespeaks an absence of character. It's not that we have to be preoccupied with the constant thought of the needs of others, and our need to respond to those of others. But somewhere in there, in our comprehension of what it means to be a social animal, there must be a realization that as goes the world, so go we.

We should, as fully-rounded human beings be responsive to the plight and the needs of others. As much as is humanly possible. Not everyone is material to completely undertake a personal sacrifice to a higher calling of looking after others' needs. But each and every one of us does have a inner need to respond at least minimally, as much as we can, toward a contribution benefiting everyone.

So when appeals become public, to give aid and support to the needy, or to an improvement for society, we respond. Because we would like to respect ourselves, to view ourselves in kind regard. Ignoring such appeals relates to an innate lack of social conscience. And that is the purview of that element of society which is regarded as incapable of caring for others; sociopaths.

Little wonder then, that a study undertaken by a Canadian psychologist reveals that people who spend money on others are happier with themselves. Whether it's becoming involved as a volunteer to help others, or giving part of one's disposable income to charities, or simply spending money to buy gifts for other people, generosity of spirit is exhibited.

We're all the better for it. Money can't buy happiness, although it can pay for decisions that lead to satisfaction with one's life. Generosity is a nice antidote to greed.