We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Have you ever read the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence? The drafter adopted the term so-called "the Pursuit of Happiness" in this crucial document. It might be the strange word if we considers in its documentary context itself. Why this term becomes so vital that must be emphasized in the declaration is surprisingly enticing.
I have watched the Movie namely "The Pursuit of the Happyness" in the very end of 2006. It did and still currently impress me. This term deeply immerses into my brain since then. "Happyness" is intentionally misspelled to reiterate the special import which strongly implies something else beside its literarinesses' meaning.
Do the people can have the real happiness? This question has been announced by the man actor who is subjected to the economic crisis which brings about the broken family. His wife left after he cannot earn any income to survive the family member. He numerously asked himself the same question! Or, we can merely pursuit the Happiness since it does not, and never really exist!
How human define this term might depend on several factors! How about you? What do really want if you need to pursuit the "Happyness?" Share it to me!
1 comment:
The Present Moment
Michael Stancato ©2006
Focusing on observation of the present moment triggers the Neocortex. Closely observing nature’s texture, lighting, sound and subtle sensations are complex but peaceful stimuli that quiet the lower cognitive regions of the Limbic System. Clearing the lower intermediary branches of the tree structure opens access to the countless higher branches reaching deep into the Neocortex. We can act as conductor controlling our mind and patterns of thought. Like the conductor of an orchestra calling on musicians in unison to play a single note, our mind is tuned, primed and ready for a measure of virtuosity. This virtuosity appears to us as breakthrough answers, original ideas, entirely new insights. This sensation of peace that arises from meditation or just becoming vividly aware of the present moment is quite different and I believe more beneficial than experiencing even happiness. Happiness or any emotion excites regions of the brain in an unbalanced pattern. The sensation of peace does not do this. Rather, peace stimulates all regions of the brain evenly. I find many people think “happiness” to be an important pursuit.
I believe that the sensation of “peace” to be of higher priority.
Now, believing that I can find an external example of this confusion between happiness and peace in our social structures has led me to this conclusion; I would like to amend the Declaration of Independence.
“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is flawed logic because “happiness” is the result of an unbalanced neural firing of our neural network. While “peace” is immune from this problem. Happiness if analyzed thoroughly and economically usually happens at the expense of others. For instance, the Ecological Footprint Calculator found online, says that if everyone lived like the average American we would need 5.4 planet earths.
On the other hand, “peace” is not an emotive reptile brain response. Therefore, I propose that the Declaration of Independence be amended to read:
Life, liberty and the pursuit of peace.
I think we now have the theoretical science to support such a revision. What remains is a thorough testing to uphold these ideas. If adopted we might have a society that can evolve using the full reasoning power of our neocortex rather than the hoarding and aggressive reptile brain.
Post a Comment