Modern society and the Quest for Human Happiness - Summary:

The article “Modern Society and the Quest for Human Happiness” by the Buddhist spiritual leader of Tibet, Dalai Lama, is about the expectations and assumptions of modern people and their connections with happiness. The writer is trying to show the life of modern or affluent people who have a less satisfying life in comparison to the poor people. Lama explains that wealthy people are less content in their life because they know what actually they are seeking for. The individuals who are obsessed with making money will most likely live a less satisfying and frustrating life. It means modern or wealthy people are always afraid of of losing their possessions. It causes mental and emotional stress, tension and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, poor people try to live their life with their assets that help them for a satisfied life.

Being materially advanced i.e. fastest car, the most money, and the fascinating house doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. It brings a negative effect on them. Dalai Lama says that “In their absorption with material wealth, they actually lose the dream of happiness. Which riches were to have provided.” On the other hand, poor individuals try to be familiar with their environment, they don’t have high ambition, and they are attached to humanity that always helps for happiness. He says that “If we compare the rich with the poor, it often seems that those with nothing are, in fact, the least anxious, though they are plagued with pains and sufferings.”

Furthermore, happiness comes to everyone in different ways. Actually, money is necessary to fulfill the needs and demands, but it can never buy true happiness. In conclusion, happiness is truly difficult to obtain. The wealthy are overwhelmed with making money and are distracted by the material objects provided by their wealth. They are blinded by what they assume is happiness. The poor learn to appreciate what they have and find more happiness in non-materialistic things, which contributes to them having a more satisfying and meaningful life.