The Pursuit of Happiness

[martin]

When Jefferson enshrined "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration he had more in mind than people then probably realized although the "pursuit" was much discussed and written about in Jefferson's circle and had long been a subject in philosophical texts. Cicero's answer of virtue was a widely agreed upon goal of the pursuit, the question then becoming - what is virtue? Benjamin Franklin made a list of 13 topics for discussion:

1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Order
4. Resolution.
5. Frugality.
6. Industry.
7. Sincerity.
8. Justice.
9. Moderation.
10. Cleanliness.
11. Tranquility.
12. Chastity.
13. Humility (for Franklin maybe the most challenging of all)

Have no idea where to go with this so won't try. I thought the topic and Franklin's list might be interesting.

 

[Dutch Uncle]

When Jefferson enshrined "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration he had more in mind than people then probably realized although the "pursuit" was much discussed and written about in Jefferson's circle and had long been a subject in philosophical texts. Cicero's answer of virtue was a widely agreed upon goal of the pursuit, the question then becoming - what is virtue? Benjamin Franklin made a list of 13 topics for discussion:

1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Order
4. Resolution.
5. Frugality.
6. Industry.
7. Sincerity.
8. Justice.
9. Moderation.
10. Cleanliness.
11. Tranquility.
12. Chastity.
13. Humility (for Franklin maybe the most challenging of all)

Have no idea where to go with this so won't try. I thought the topic and Franklin's list might be interesting.

Both Franklin and Jefferson traveled in the same enlightened circle of educated Renaissance men. It appears to me that Franklin's list fits nicely with a list of Western virtues, specifically the seven heavenly virtues. It's not that far from the Bushido code either.

 

[martin]

Both Franklin and Jefferson traveled in the same enlightened circle of educated Renaissance men. It appears to me that Franklin's list fits nicely with a list of Western virtues, specifically the seven heavenly virtues. It's not that far from the Bushido code either.

Same as Trump's list of "seven big things about me".

 

[Hawkeye10]

Jordan Peterson says that we are so bad at knowing what would make us happy and it is so fleeting that it is not a worthy aim.

This is one of the few places I dont agree with him.....though he is right that today few people know what would make them happy.....but this is not the normal state of affairs......this is a result of us living in a profound dark age......I dont have this problem.