Happiness. Although it is a complex and multifaceted concept, scientific research has explored different aspects and determinants of happiness. According to the doctor in psychology Sonja Lyubomirsky points out that happiness can be defined as “a subjective state of general well-being and satisfaction with life, which implies positive emotions and a positive evaluation of the circumstances and the meaning of life”.
What is happiness, according to famous scientists such as Tesla, Einstein or HawkingMidjourney/Sarah Romero
Happiness can be understood through three main components: a) positive emotions: experiences of joy, gratitude, serenity and enthusiasm; b) Satisfaction with life: global and subjective cognitive evaluation of life in terms of goal fulfillment, meaning and purpose and c) psychological well-being: which includes aspects such as self-acceptance, autonomy, positive relationships and personal growth.
Today we delve into this important word in the lives of humans and we remember what happiness is for famous scientists throughout history.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall, ethologist
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so we can fear less.” – Marie Curiechemistry and physics
“To me I am just a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.” – Isaac Newton, physicist, theologian, mathematician and inventor
“Happiness is found in the calm contemplation of nature and the deep understanding of the secrets that it reveals.” – Albert Einsteinphysical
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Be curious, and as hard as life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed.” – Stephen Hawkingphysicist, astrophysicist and science popularizer
“The first principle is that you should not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. Happiness is the pleasure you get from understanding and creating, not from owning.” – Richard Feynmanntheoretical physicist
“For me, it is much better to understand the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.” – Carl Saganastronomer, astrophysicist, astrobiologist and science popularizer
famous scientistsMidjourney/Sarah Romero
“The gift of mental power comes from God, Divine Being, and if we focus our minds on that truth, we tune in to this great power.” – Nicholas Teslainventor and electrical and mechanical engineer
“The first requirement for happiness is that man be willing to find satisfaction in his own work.” – Sigmund Freudneurologist, father of psychoanalysis
“The problem, which is often not discovered until late age, is that when you look for things in life like love, meaning, motivation, it implies that they are sitting behind a tree or under a rock. The most successful people in life recognize that in life they create their own love, they create their own meaning, they create their own motivation. For me, I am motivated by two main philosophies, I know more about the world today than I did yesterday. And lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that takes you.” – Neil deGrasse Tysonastrophysicist and scientific popularizer
“A table, a chair, a fruit bowl and a violin; What else does a man need to be happy? – Albert Einsteinphysical
“You cannot aspire to build a better world without improving individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own betterment.” – Marie Curiee, Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911
“True happiness is looking at the fossil remains and realizing that we are part of an immense line of life that extends through millions of years.” – Robert T. Bakerpaleontologist
Reference:
- Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803–855.
- Dictionary of scientific appointments: the harvest of a serene look. Alan Mackay. CSIC. ISBN 9788479600242
- Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin Press.
- Diener, E., Suh, EM, Lucas, RE, & Smith, HL (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276-302.
