Happiness has been described as a state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotions ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue. It is a state all want to achieve, but it often seems elusive. Pleasant Life events can affect our happiness levels, but their effects diminish over time. So, can material possessions make us permanently happy? Certainly not. Many people also experience a measure of happiness when they reach a certain goal or obtain a desired item. But how long does that surge of happiness last? Often, it is only temporary, which can be disappointing. Success too can never generate consistent happiness. The definition of success too is a variable from individual to Individual. However, most of the time it is measured on a materialistic parameter, It has to be understood that Success is not only about earning money, setting up a family, and Owning a house but living a life with humane values. The Western theories have most of the time propounded that Material success leads us to happiness, however going by that, the so-called materially Successful people are the most stressed out today, they dont seem to enjoy what they have but they enjoy what other do not have
and this is certainly not a model of a success story. Materially wealthier people are more isolated, toowhich has a negative effect on happiness. Wealth engenders isolation because acquiring more money predisposes people toward keeping their distance or more simply, they might not need their peers in the same way. Perhaps the adage money cant buy happiness has more truth than we think. There are many studies that point to the conclusion that wealth and happiness are not positively correlated, according to one such, wealth appears to make people less generous. What was novel and exciting in the immediate past transforms into ‘the new normal,’ and all the happiness has faded away. While there is no magical way to make us happy forever, there is a science of happiness and when we understand that, we become more skillful at staying happier, longer. The Dalai Lama has famously stated The ultimate source of happiness is within us. Not money, not power, not status. Some of my friends are billionaires, but they are very unhappy people. Power and money fail to bring inner peace. Outward attainment will not bring real inner joyfulness. We must look inside. As an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey.