Surprised by Happiness

Happiness, rather than working hard, is the key to success, according to research published today. Cheerful people are more likely to try new things and challenge themselves, which reinforces positive emotion and leads to success in work, good relationships and strong health, say psychologists.

Link.

I don't doubt the findings, but the presentation is upside-down. As every true philosopher since Aristotle has realized, happiness (eudemonia) is the highest pursuit, hence it's not surprising that less-important things (e.g., a successful career) follow from happiness. In fact, it's common sense. But this story seems to present happiness as a key ingredient to success. "Make yourself happy, so you can be successful." But happiness is the good in itself. It serves no one. If you seek to make it the hand-maiden of money, it'll backfire on you. No one, C.S. Lewis pointed out in Surprised by Joy, finds joy by looking for it. It's by looking outward at things--other beings--that joy comes into your heart. The second you look at your own joy, it starts to vanish. Likewise, the second you make joy your aim so you can acquire material success, it'll disappear.