ABSTRACT
What we consider to be a happy life today, in the rich West, is something altogether different from what it was thought to be in the past, in places such as ancient Greece. Looking at the meaning of happiness during different time periods, this chapter argues that our present notion of happiness is based on three morally-endorsed ideals: ‘authenticity’, ‘enjoyment’ and ‘work.’ First, contrary to the message of Christianity, as it was taught in large parts of Europe during the middle ages, according to which we should abandon ourselves to achieve divine union, we are now asked to pursue union with ourselves. Second, far from the Epicureans, who preached moderation, we are encouraged to fully express our positive emotions, whether through food, sex or other forms of pleasure-inducing activities, such as running, CrossFit or yoga. And finally, unlike the work-shy Greeks of antiquity, we are assumed to find happiness through work and by being productive. We are required to curate our market value, manage ourselves as corporations and live according to an entrepreneurial ethos. I finally argue that this happiness fantasy, as it makes itself present today, with its punitive demands of authenticity and commanded enjoyment, is best to abandon.
