It was often said by those of my generation.”If it feels good do it”. What is good? It is such an overused word that seems different to every person. If someone asks us how our day is going the standard response is “good”, if everything seems to be going well. The word good has to do with preferences in one way and is widely variable such as art and automobiles. But another aspect concerns things that are universally good such as safety and health. Happiness consists more of a pursuit to make a lifetime collection of good memories and accomplishments. A caring person knows that sometimes immediate pleasures have to be sacrificed to acquire a future with consistent happiness. This is called self discipline. But we need to enjoy life too. We use the word indulge to describe times when we break away from self discipline. Forming a habit of indulgence can be a detriment to happiness although on occasion it can be a refreshing break from routine.

Equating happiness with external goods alone is a poor philosophy. Contentment is a good thing and having basic necessities is a starting point for having a good life. But there is another aspect in respect to mankind. Animals can be content with food, shelter and social interaction. Humans have a rational element in their minds full of analytics, vision and ambitions. This is often overlooked by social planners. It isn’t enough to provide sustenance for people. To focus on this aspect is degrading since it turns everyone into pet gerbils that need fed rather than classy people who possess reasoning minds. People need to use their minds to overcome obstacles and make a life for themselves. When governing, be it raising children or running a nation, an important way to impart happiness is through forming good habits.

Rather than debating what is good concerning preferences in food or clothing styles, a study about good habits would concern what is universal to everyone. This would be a study that would contain principles that would help individuals and communities reach the goal of happiness. A likely deathbed reflection would be on the ultimate life; whether we experienced happiness ourselves and gave it to those we love. That is why the study of ethics is an important one and this site is dedicated to the things that involve rational thought.