Who Decided That People Deserve to Be Happy?

The Nature of Happiness

I don’t think anyone can make a case that people ‘deserve’ to be happy. We exist, we’re here, and lucky to live on a planet that supports human life and provides enough resources for the majority of the world to have enough food, shelter, and healthcare. We’ve learned that if we work together in peaceable groups, we can create more for ourselves, including some of the basics that can make us happy. But true happiness is not a mere gift, rather, it is a reward for working at it and navigating life virtuously.

The Declaration of Independence and Happiness

The Declaration of Independence states that we have an unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. However, a common misunderstanding is that this means a right to be happy. The

Declaration of Independence actually emphasizes the right to pursue happiness, not an entitlement to it.

My belief is that the framework of an individual’s happiness falls on their shoulders. You have the right to pursue happiness, but you do not necessarily deserve it. If your happiness is at the expense of others, then you do not deserve it, nor do you have the right to it. Behaviors such as cheating on a partner or stealing from a neighbor are examples of actions that are not deserving of happiness. Cheating on yourself by justifying that you deserve happiness, even if it means compromising others, only serves selfishness, not the true pursuit of happiness.

Emotional Freedom and Acceptance

I think it would be safer to say that people deserve to feel. You don’t necessarily deserve to feel any certain emotion, but you also don’t deserve to be void of emotion. It is odd to me when people invalidate others’ feelings, suggesting they should feel differently. Instead, people should be allowed to live with their emotions without judgment. Emotions such as sadness, confusion, and guilt are all valid and part of the human experience. Let people experience their emotions, and let them navigate their feelings without forcing them into a mold that someone else deems appropriate.

True happiness is a reward for being virtuous, and how one navigates the path to it is a personal journey. It is important to recognize that emotional freedom and acceptance contribute to a more fulfilling life. By embracing our emotions, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Conclusion

People who are uncomfortable with the happiness of others often fail to recognize the complexity of human emotions and experiences. It is essential to support each other in their emotional journeys, rather than prescribing what they should feel. Let us embrace the idea that people deserve to feel, and help each other navigate the pursuit of true happiness.