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13th December 2017

{I hope you're reading this, and I hope this helps.}

We go through life with the sole purpose of gaining happiness, success, satisfaction etc. It is ingrained in our attitude and our lifestyle. It not only gives life a purpose but our actions meaning. It is one of the most important constituents of our identity. However, several years ago i came across an ideology that changed the way I saw this world and our existence. Whatever sensibilities and opinions we have developed have after all been self generated, and therefore it becomes subjective and can be moulded to suit our comfort levels. This little piece of writing gave me a new perspective, and somehow, deep down, helped me cope with the difficulties of the every day world.

“Happiness, life’s ultimate goal. Or is it?

Many of us in the West spend our lives searching for this transient state: in love, in work, in travel, in the decoration of our homes. That it beckons to us from advertisements and lifestyle television is a modern malaise. But it is important to remember that the people did not think of happiness as a given right until the twentieth century - and in many Eastern cultures, still do not. For many, life is something to be endured and learnt from, rather than a source of expected pleasure. To have food, a roof over your head and the freedom to pursue your religious beliefs - these things are enough. Start thinking that you ought to be happy and you open yourself up to all kinds of disappointment." - The Novel Cure, Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin

I did not realise that a book bought under the sheer influence of impulse would someday give me an entirely new worldview. I certainly do not know if people will agree, but if this helps even one person, ill consider that a a big achievement.