Happiness is perhaps one of the hardest words to define. It does not mean the same for everyone. For some, this word are associated with love, family and a dream come true, for others - with money or winning the lottery. Therefore, everyone has their own recipe for happiness.

People in ancient Greece wondered what happiness was for a person. Philosophers since the time of Socrates have tried to define them by taking into account different aspects of life. Psychology and sociology have now taken over their role. Since 2012, the United Nations has published a report annually that measures the happiness of people around the world. But what is happiness?

Happiness is a psychological and philosophical concept that has a heterogeneous definition. It is an emotion based on positive experiences and experiences. It can also be joy, entertainment and satisfaction in the blink of an eye or in a lifetime. Neurologists believe this is due to neurotransmitters produced in the brain: serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. However, according to various world religions, it is associated with god and the afterlife.

The philosophy of happiness dates back to antiquity. It has been seen since the time of Socrates. It was associated with an understanding of human nature, as well as the relationship of man with what surrounds him and in harmony with the forces of nature. Each school had its own approach and its own beliefs about this. According to philosophers, happiness is:

• Virtue (goodness). Socrates believed that only a person who is guided by reason in life, behaves morally and acquires knowledge that he can use can be happy;

• Act in harmony with nature. According to Aristotle, only man deserves happiness if he acts in accordance with what nature has called him to do. For a person, this is thinking or politics, so the greatest satisfaction can be achieved by being a philosopher or statesman;

• Satisfaction of physiological needs. Aristotle believed that for a feeling of happiness it is necessary to fulfill the basic conditions: health, the presence of offspring, good nutrition;

• Indifference and distance. According to the Stoics, true happiness can only be achieved through peace of mind. It cannot be made dependent on external events: neither from winning the lottery, nor from unpleasant experiences. It depends only on the inner: reason, morality and virtue;

• Pleasure. Epicurus' recipe for happiness is a life full of pleasures, but only those that are wisely chosen;

• Contact with God. Thomas Aquinas believed that happiness can be achieved through knowledge of God, participation in his work, as well as the vision of salvation and eternal life;

• Giving up your desires. According to Buddhism, you can never fully satisfy your needs, so the only way to be happy is to get rid of them completely.

How can you be happy in life?

Everyone understands happiness in different ways, and different things, experiences and values ​​can be its source. However, to achieve them, the most important thing is to live in harmony with yourself, enjoy life, enjoy the little things and remain cheerful and positive despite adversity. This also applies to building healthy relationships with others and taking care of yourself. The most important thing is to focus on the pleasure of doing something, and not on a distant goal.

Happiness is not only a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. It is also viewed in the context of favorable circumstances and luck. All over the world, people believe in some kind of power that brings success in their actions. Often it is covered with some kind of gesture or talisman.