Joseph's "Just My Thoughts"

Aristotle believed that happiness was the ultimate goal of human life. We often comfort ourselves by saying that wealth does not guarantee happiness, especially when money is tight. But is that really true? How much wealth do we actually need to feel happy? Psychologist Professor Eun-guk Seo suggests that Aristotle’s view is just a personal perspective—not a scientifically proven fact. He explains that, in nature, survival is the primary goal, and happiness is more of a tool for survival than an end in itself. So why do we work hard and strive to earn money, even in tough times? While money may not guarantee happiness, it can help us live more comfortably. In the end, economic activity is about survival—if we can’t meet our basic needs, it’s hard to enjoy happiness or convenience. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The key to getting along isn’t with people, but with time . Time shapes both individuals and the environment. And the scariest phrase is, “This too shall pass!” As time goes on, good fortune can become a curse, and misfortune can turn into good luck. Therefore, nothing is more important than the ‘now’ when it comes to pursuing happiness . - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

We cannot drink water while being immersed in it for survival. Without assistance from the air, it is impossible to drink water. Water is a vital substance for humans, but its intake is only possible when air acts as a medium. What I possess and how I utilize it are very different matters. The same goes for relationships. What brings happiness in a relationship is more important than how close the relationship is. For humans, many situations are pointless if values exist in only one state. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Life can feel joyful when we have many close relationships, but this often gradually brings more anguish as well. Intimacy is also crucial to us, yet just as much as it is, “blatant ignorance” and a “healthy dose of distance” significantly influence our happiness. For instance, I can’t eat meat from a slaughtered cow that I have carefully nursed, but I am content eating the meat from a cow that I did not nurture. The fact that I have made money means my gains are a return for the damages of someone unknown to the economic system of this world, yet I can only be happy because I do not know adequately. Without blatant ignorance and a healthy dose of distance , our happiness deteriorates terribly. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

A heart’s wound heals not through will but through chance. If we fixate on our lingering emotions and pain, we will endure even greater suffering until we encounter that chance. Emptying our minds isn’t just a trendy idea; it’s essential, as clinging to stubbornness leads to futility. I realized this truth after overcoming my stubbornness, which ultimately brought me far more happiness and joy than regret by freeing myself from it. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When classifying relationships, you might identify three types: those that only give, those that only receive, and those that both give and receive. Typically, you would say that relationships characterized by mutual exchange are the happiest. However, various factors can distort these dynamics, such as a person’s circumstances or emotional pain. As a result, some individuals may prefer or find it necessary to engage in one-sided relationships where they only receive. Unlike mathematical formulas, human relationships are not so straightforward. Nonetheless, to achieve true happiness, relationships must be built on a foundation of reciprocity in giving and receiving. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Happiness and satisfaction are two distinct concepts. It is a fact that poverty deprives happiness. What is also a fact is that earning more than a certain amount of money does not increase happiness. Social science research has proven this. But satisfaction is a different matter entirely. Satisfaction is directly linked to achieving social goals. It is a myth that more money will make you happier. Happiness is about having the right money and friends. But satisfaction comes from achieving your goals. It is a simple fact that humans live a completely different life depending on whether their living standards are happiness or satisfaction. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”