Sustainable Happiness: How Happiness Studies Can Contribute to a More Sustainable Future

Abstract

Sustainable happiness is an altruistic philosophy that promotes social, individual, and community happiness for the betterment of all. It is a guide to rational decision making that promotes actions by individuals, community and country that reinforces positive ways that can lead to happiness, promising relationships, and the wellbeing and delight of self and others. (Brown & Kasser, 2005) There are challenges with this concept, because everyone has a diverse way of finding happiness and not all are concerned about the happiness of others. However, finding ways to sustain a standard of living or sustaining “lifestyles and livelihoods” (O'Brien, 2008) that promotes the security and wellbeing of neighbors is one way. Another way is being eco-friendly or living a healthy lifestyle, which always bring about a positive mindset. More importantly, finding ways to connect and cooperate with others may promote a sense of security. (Flavin, 2007; Hulse, 2007; O'Brien & Leichenko, 2007). This paper will explore the ways of finding that simple pleasures in life can promote the wellbeing of self and contribute to the overall happiness of those we interact with by our actions.