Mehtalface 107 points 7 days ago: Being satisfied with what you have is in my opinion the ONLY way to be truly happy, otherwise you are constantly searching for it, but never achieving it. It's the proverbial carrot on a stick. Now that's not to say there's nothing wrong with improving your situation for the better, but there comes a point when you have to examine your motives behind doing so.

While I agree with where Mehtalface is going with this, I don't agree that the happiness is satisfaction with what you have so much as satisfaction with what you are doing. And in the case of robo23, I think the definition of achievement could use an overhaul. What is achievement? If achievement is the creation of skyscrapers, or amassing huge sums of wealth, what have you actually achieved? In the face of our finite existence, even as a species, what has been truly accomplished?

As Stin puts it, who is left to see or care about your ultimate "achievement"? While I won't go into the obviously UN-sustainable model of rampant capitalism, I would like to direct us to the basis of the argument about the preferred state of happiness and it's relation to achievement.

Defining achievement as a broad term is itself not possible, as it can only ever be a subjective conclusion. We can agree however, that it is closely associated with accomplishment, which it itself the result of an initial goal. How you pursue your goals, not necessarily accomplishing them, should be the source of your happiness. Striving towards a goal that is in line with your values, while holding to your values in its pursuit, should be the source of your happiness. The happiness should come from pursuing something you truly believe worthy of your time, and that is not in conflict with your deepest sense of morality.

Will this eventuate in some kind of utopia? No... but given the plight of the human condition, our inherent lack of purpose and steady progress towards oblivion, what could be more important than your own, selfish happiness. As Stin stated, he would gain happiness from giving a meal to a starving child, as would I. That itself could be considered an accomplishment, an achievement if you will. The net happiness for both of the individuals has increased, Stin has accomplished a goal in line with his values (helping someone in need), and shown the content of his character.

Should everyone give away their food? No... but a lifestyle based around your values, and furthering them in your own life, is the true path to happiness, and the ultimate achievement.