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Although happiness research is still relatively new, many psychologists believe that happiness is the chief goal of life. The Father of Modern American Psychology, William James, believed that "how to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness is in fact for most men at all times the secret motive of all they do". The medical doctor Deepak Chopra also stated, "Life naturally evolves in the direction of happiness. We must constantly ask ourselves if what we are doing is going to make us, and those around us, happy. Because happiness is the ultimate goal. It is the goal of all other goals."
Politicians accept the importance of happiness. The American Declaration of Independence states that people have the right to the pursuit of happiness. Business leaders are aware that happiness often leads to better performance, team spirit and creativity. Philosophers like Aristotle, Buddha and Lao Tzu all recognise that happiness is fundamental to humanity.
So what role does science play in attempting to make us happy? Can mood-enhancing drugs create long-lasting happiness? There is certainly a need for scientific intervention because, although we live in the most affluent society ever, there is a significant increase in depression, mental illness, violence, drug abuse and suicide. The World Bank and World Health Organisation have both published reports which show that children of the 'Golden Era' are more likely to suffer severe, life-threatening depression than their parents. As social psychologist David Myers concludes, "Our becoming better off over the last 30 years has not been accompanied by one iota of increased happiness and life satisfaction."
Antidepressants such as Prozac can alleviate depression by increasing levels of the brain chemical serotonin, but unless people solve the underlying cause of the unhappiness then it is likely to return once the medication has ceased. The benefit of medical intervention is that when people are depressed they are usually too low to be able to rationally explore their situation. Medication can help restore an equilibrium, enabling someone to tackle their dilemmas.
Science has also put forward the theory that happiness is affected by our genetic make-up. Therefore, by being able to alter our genetics we should, in principle, be able to increase happiness.
However, despite the advances that modern science offers, more and more empirical research supports the idea that a positive attitude is the key to happiness. For instance, a report by Michael Scheier and Charles Carver demonstrated that people who were positive thinkers reported higher levels of happiness, health and resilience.
In conclusion, as Robert Holden stated in his book Happiness Now, "Nothing in the world can make you happy; everything in the world can encourage you to be happy."
Ben Renshaw is Co-Director of The Happiness Project which runs courses in positive psychology and wellbeing.
The views and opinions expressed by writers herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Wellcome Trust.
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