Question

To date happiness has defied definition. Most people tend to equate happiness with fun, good living, plenty of money. If happiness were synonymous with all this, rich people with all their luxuries and countless parties would be perpetually happy. But in actual fact, they are, frequently, acutely unhappy, despite their riches and ability to indulge in fun activities at will. Fun is what we experience during an act; happiness is that intangible something we experience after an act. We may have fun watching a movie, going shopping, meeting friends — these are all fun activities that afford us fleeting moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Happiness, on the other hand, is a much stronger, deeper and more abiding emotion. Material downloaded from myCBSEguide.com. 4 / 8 If we perceive happiness as the ultimate goal, we must also devise a way to reach that goal. The way to happiness, is not a smooth, broad highway along which we can cruise at a comfortable speed. It is a path through rocky and rugged terrain and the going can become very tough at times. At these times we have to roll up our sleeves and with pitchfork and shovel makes our way onwards. This pursuit ‘of happiness lasts a lifetime. Great happiness is earned only by great effort and effort not in spurts but diligent, constant effort. In this connection, we are confronted with another fallacy, that fun and plea sure mean happiness and thus pain, its corollary, must be synonymous with unhappiness. But in fact, the truth is quite different. Things that bring us happiness, more often than not, involve some amount of pain. It is because of misconception that people avoid the very endeavor that is the source of true happiness. Difficult ‘endeavors — such as the raising of children, establishing deeper relationships with loved ones, trying to do something worthwhile in life — hold the promise of a world of happiness. Happiness is not a permanent vacation. Another prevalent belief is that if one were rich enough not to have to work one would be blissfully happy. But a job is more than just a pay cheque. Almost all religions teach us that work is worship. Work holds the key to happiness as doing something which increases confidence and self-worth. It brings on a feeling of satisfaction, of doing something, of contributing. Job satisfaction comes less from how much one earns than from the challenge of the job. Of course, the pay-cheques count. It would be unrealistic to suggest that one could be happy without a basic shelter, roaming the streets on an empty stomach. A secret ingredient of happiness is contentment. Contentment here does not mean apathy or lack of ambition, just as commitment does not mean curtailment of freedom. Commitment teaches us to give so that we may receive and contentment helps us to cherish the gifts we have received. These things are worth a try even if they don’t promise access to the pinnacle of success. Success, after all, has been described as getting what one wants, whereas happiness likes what one gets.
A2.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage makes notes on it using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary.
A2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in 80 words, and also suggest a suitable title.

Answer 1

Answer:

What is this ease give meaningful question.

Answer 2

Answer:

Title should be...

Definition of Happiness