Happiness or euphoria? It can be a tricky choice to make. I suspect that the role of this choice in shaping the complex contours of our lives is grossly underestimated. Rarely do Sunday columns or self-help books discuss this choice in detail.
To begin with, how do we define happiness or euphoria? They are states of being. Happiness and euphoria are so hopelessly subjective that it would make no sense to try and describe them here. But I’m sure that in our own way, in our own combination of people, places, objects, and emotions, we can define these things for ourselves.
What is required to make a choice is knowledge of the difference between the two—perhaps subjective as well, but here is my version of it.
Euphoria is more elusive. Happiness is easier to get. Euphoria is a result of something special, something rare and above average. Euphoria has its roots in special talent or sparkling intelligence; like when you listen to a brilliant piece of music or read a few words full of subtle wit. Euphoria is a buzz that goes through your head and tells you that life is worth living after all. Happiness is poor man’s euphoria. It may not be everywhere, but it is relatively cheap. I feel I have made a compromise when I am happy but not euphoric. In a world that seems to be going to pieces, happiness seems to be getting increasingly uncommon. In the end though, happiness feels rather mediocre.
But there is the dark side of the force. Euphoria is dangerous—its addictive—and the lack of euphoria can rightly be held responsible for the sharp sense of depression and futility that I am sure has stabbed each one of us at least once. This is perhaps the reason why more people seem to prefer being happy than chase after euphoria. The pursuit of happiness is a safe goal; the quest for euphoria is a risky proposition.
The choice that people make reflects in everything around us—in music, art, literature, cinema, and in people and their sense of humor. The lack of creativity or intelligence in so many things that we see is a result of people being lured by the low price tag and push-button effort that are characteristic of happiness.
What would happen if more people began to demand euphoria? What would happen if we raised the bar? My guess is we would have more suicides, more people on antidepressant drugs, art with more substance and creativity, and more intelligent humor as opposed to commercial wonders, prime-time television, and social networking.
Ultimately, it’s a choice.
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The search for a creative high
