The Ministry of Happiness

I think I’m one of the most patriotic people that I’ve ever encountered in America. I consider myself a bedrock patriot. I participate very actively in local politics, because my voice might be worthwhile. I participate in a meaningful way – not by donations; I work at it. ~ Hunter S Thompson

Happy Fourth of July America: Happy 250th!

Happy Birthday America! Wow, 250, you’re getting up there old girl, no spring chicken anymore!

Like any country, there have been ups and downs, we’ve done some really great things as a nation and some not so great things. All in all, I hope that maybe we’ve done more good than bad, but I’ll leave that determination to the historians who are far more qualified than I am to make that call. Not surprisingly what I want to talk to about tonight is the piece of the Declaration of Independence, the line Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness and in particular the pursuit of happiness.

Here is the historical context and meaning behind this iconic trio:

• Life: The fundamental right to exist, be safe from arbitrary harm, and defend oneself against threats to survival.
• Liberty: The freedom to live one’s life, express thoughts, and make personal choices without unjust interference from the government or other oppressive entities.
• Pursuit of Happiness: This was a deliberate departure from philosopher John Locke’s right to “property.” The Founders viewed this as the right to seek personal well-being, meaningful self-development, and civic virtue, rather than just material wealth.

I have always really liked the full definition of the pursuit of happiness. It’s about well-being, living well. There’s a type of article that you see a lot of these days which talks about how pursuing happiness will in fact make you unhappy. The catch in that discussion is explained by one of my favorite lines from a Sting song, Consider Me Gone, To search for perfection. Is all very well. But to look for heaven. Is to live here in hell

If your search for happiness, is a search and an effort to for perfect bliss, a state of total happiness all of the time, that is an unreasonable and unattainable search. If the unattainable is your goal, you’re going to be incredibly unhappy. This is what they mean when they say if you search for happiness, you’ll be unhappy, it’s a simplified idea with a lack of nuance.

As with many things in life, it comes down to the wisdom our granny’s lived by, moderation in everything. Searching for happiness is of course a good thing, being happier is something we all should attempt to do. Not at a 24/7 total bliss type of happiness, but incremental positive gains. We can all do the little things to be a bit happier and that’s always going to be a worthy endeavor that will bring us all happier days my friends. Happy Birthday America, celebrate well and be happy. ~ Rev Kane