One persistent counterargument to positive thinking is that it generates synthetic happiness, as opposed to real happiness. Synthetic happiness occurs when we use special techniques to elicit happiness. Real happiness occurs when we naturally feel happiness, and it generally occurs only after we appreciate what we already have or it occurs after we get what we want.

Some argue that synthetic happiness is not strong enough or significant enough. Some believe that synthetic happiness is a form of epistemological cheating and is “not fair.” Some reject synthetic happiness on principle, claiming that since it is not real happiness it is wrong and even potentially dangerous to pursue it.

Are there really two kinds of happiness? What methods could one use to distinguish true happiness from false happiness? I believe that there is only one happiness and that splitting happiness into synthetic and real categories creates a false dichotomy. Happiness is a single feeling and it occurs in a range of intensities, from weakest to strongest. A congruent expression of happiness maximizes the strength of one’s happy feelings. Congruence is when happiness can be seen in one’s face, eyes, language and body movements; it includes thinking positive thoughts.

Dan Gilbert, a Harvard experimental psychologist, presented a lecture at TED and convincingly argues that there is only one happiness. Gilbert uses the results of his scientific experiments to help validate the notion that the effects of synthetic and real happiness are the same. Gilbert discusses many other happiness-related issues and his 21-minute lecture is definitely worth viewing.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 8th, 2006 at 2:45 pm and is filed under Happiness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.