Being a very successful psychologist of human nature and character, David G. Myers was hailed by many critics and readers by profound work he has done in The Pursuit of Happiness: Discovering the Pathway to Fulfillment, Well-Being, and Enduring Personal Joy. Myers presented a solid professional psychological research, analyzing different information from various surveys and studies covering a period more than a hundred years. Perhaps, it was done to obtain a certain objectivity in analysis. However, in the beginning of book Myers asserts that there are several constraints to measure human happiness. One of those constraints is peoples momentary moods. Whether under hypnosis or just by day events, they see the world through rose-colored glasses (Myers, 28).
Probably, it is the major reason why Myers does not focus on several surveys and some contemporary researches.
In The Pursuit of Happiness author reviews over 1000 scientific articles on happiness and well being. By asking a question who is happy and why Myers attempts to answer by stating another question of what does the evidence support. Myers is trying to avoid any prejudice and presupposition, positioning his book not like another reading, but easy to read scientific research. Perhaps, that is why he supports his arguments with a solid foundation. Myers examined an issue of happiness from the position of psychologist. Unlike ancient philosophers Plato, Aristotle, or Seneca he does not express any intuition regarding happiness as a perception of a good life. Myers views a happiness like a state of mind as majority of social scientists do, not just a good life.
The Term Paper on Rising Income Does Not Necessarily Determine a Rise in Happiness
... These help them to feel better and contribute to their happiness. Research conduct by Becker (1965), stated quite a few examples of ... in this world and doesn’t have any relationship with happiness. Money versus happiness What is crucial in a human being’s existence? ... in income no longer contributes much to an individual’s happiness level (Martin, 2008; Myers and Diener, 1997). On the other hand, many ...
According Myers, psychology can estimate a measure of happiness in a person by summing moment-to-moment positive feelings then subtracting moment-to-moment negative emotions (Myers, 25) This theory of Norman Bradburn according to Myers can be very helpful in studying of happiness. From the critical point of view, Pursuit of Happiness is not an ideal study. For instance, Myers is underestimate the role of faith in happiness. Author qualifies his analysis by claiming knowledge only of Mosaic tradition, e.g. Christianity, or Judaism, by claiming that the majority of Americans and Europeans practice Mosaic religions, and by encouraging cross-cultural research rather than examining or pioneering cross-cultural research. If a God belief is the central factor in faith-based happiness, then some atheistic forms of Buddhism may refute Myers claim. In addition, psychology is considered to be a universal science for human behavior, therefore the concept of universality of study should be followed. The book is not titled The Pursuit of Happiness in America and Europe. People of third countries surely have another views on happiness.
From the education viewpoint, Pursuit of Happiness is even useful due to numerous studies and statistical data it contains. I was surprised with a different surveys regarding students and their basic challenges concerning obtaining happiness. According to Myers happiness does not depend on circumstances. In Meyers studies only 1% of happiness could be accounted for by each of the variables of age, race, gender or education. These are relatively insignificant to happiness. Personally, I liked this point of Myers very much. However, I was disappointed by the last chapter.
Author deviate from the spirit of the book and bestows his own dogmatic view point to finish a book..
