How to grow deeply happy | Jonny Thomson

[@pcbacklash_3261]

I don't know about the "philosophy" of happiness, but l learned a very important _key_ to happiness when I was in my 40s (FINALLY!), and in the decades since it seems more and more obvious to me: Don't let ANYONE decide _for_ you what happiness is! You need to find your OWN way to be happy.

[@jaughnekow]

so what if i wanna nuke the earth?

[@fabio.1]

👍👍

[@agotakolman7418]

❤❤❤

[@Jade15888]

@@pcbacklash_3261 thank you

[@Philophiler]

Disagree

[@kkp4297]

happiness is doing what i love, not having pressure, and being surrounded by supportive people and people I get along well with

[@jerzypawlowski7999]

Epicurus agrees with you.

[@SchamaliDhali]

Reducing pressure can contribute to happiness, but I believe that a certain level of pressure is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility and purpose. Many people struggle with unhappiness because they lack direction in life. For example, young men who have little responsibility may be more susceptible to mental health issues. Providing them with a job can offer structure and meaningful engagement, encouraging activities like going to the gym or enjoying video games as healthy leisure pursuits rather than mere escapes. Fulfillment plays a significant role in happiness. While a life without any pressure might seem appealing, it can often feel unfulfilling for many people. Having goals and responsibilities can provide the motivation and satisfaction that contribute to long-term happiness.

[@lurelurche]

If I have a supportive team and the pressure is natural and not forced I can even be happy with a BS job

[@xNinjaPowerz]

Sounds like a very childish dream honestly. No pressure. Only yes men.

[@lurelurche]

@xNinjaPowerz we have time to be both adult and child like

[@polytechnica]

“It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer

[@jerzypawlowski7999]

Schopenhauer was mentally disturbed, like many other philosophers.

[@pulse3554]

yes and schopenhauer took much of his philosophy from indian phil!

[@batekrown]

@@pulse3554 good portion of modern continental pulls from eastern philo. phenomenology is straight outta buddhism and what the post war jews were going for existentially. nothing new under sun.

[@timyoung7578]

He may have been a nut, but I think he was right with that quote. Seems to me that a lot of people hope to meet someone that will make them happy. I don't think that can happen, long term. We have to decide to be happy.

[@1mphamvu]

When I surfed, there was no purpose beyond what I did. I literally just loved the action for itself. We live in our mind too much, and we're 'trained' to want. We go to school, we get a job, we have kids - society wants this. For me, all the happy things are really in the moment. Laughing in Capoeira when someone falls over, being on a wave in a golden dusk light, seeing my wife smile as she really looks into my face. I helped a friend by paying for the edication, I got a PhD, I had a chld - but these weren't what made me feel I was 'living'. I dont think we should pursue happiness. There is some 'normal human liviing' which is a mixture of things. I prefer the word 'content' but maybe its not quite accurate.

[@MrSvenovitch]

If you lost your surfboard I'm pretty sure you'd 'want' one again asap.

[@findyourpassion8722]

For me happiness is having these 4 attributes in my life: 1.) health 2.) stable relationships with my closest loved ones 3.) steady income 4.) do what I love

[@keoneeG]

Same

[@stjertplug]

Seems awfully unstable, all of these thing can be taken away from you

[@kevinquiambao6573]

thich nhat hanh once said “there’s no way to happiness. happiness is the way.” i find it so true for me.

[@josemadrid2913]

There’s a lot of truth in that.

[@CJ0101]

So, how can people be happy?

[@josemadrid2913]

@ I think people have to find out what makes them happy, but also understand we can’t always be happy

[@CJ0101]

@@josemadrid2913 Did you respond to me? If so, yes I understand people have to find out what makes them happy, but that's quite broad and the prospect of it doesn't necessarily ensure continued happiness, or any happiness. Also, how do people find it?

[@karlin_oriley]

This and Michael J Fox said: "Happiness is a decision". This was a game changer for me. Whatever there is, YOU decide how you deal with it. Give up or fight. Envy or gratitude. Being a good person or being an a-hole. Seeing the good things in your world or just focus on wars and misery (especially without helping by donating etc)... And so on. What you focus on becomes your own reality

[@catche85]

I consider myself truly happy and agree with everything presented in the video. The way I achieved it was by intentionally deeply connecting with other people, valuing being a good person who contributes positively to other people's lives, and being the person that I am proud of, not who anyone else wants me to be. Living with agency, accountability and courage.

[@Jade15888]

@@catche85 thank you

[@dianefleming9765]

Snap ❤

[@suenorwood-evans9724]

Spot on, thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@mchammer5592]

The person who is happiest is not the one with the most but the most content with what they have.

[@safiralarasati6968]

This! Never thought of happiness being a destination or goals, I like enjoying small things in life therefore I am happy. I remember once my friends and I were planning to have casual dinner for no occasion, and a friend said "let's have this as a celebration for [my name]'s promotion!" then it stuck with me that when you don't have anything to make you happy, just be happy for others. It works the same way :)

[@jl-dq5ch]

Also, knowing and being true to who you are is huge

[@josemadrid2913]

And knowing what actually makes you happy

[@amy4everken]

I love your thoughts Jonny. I feel forgiveness is a big part of a life of happiness. Forgiveness is for you not the other person. If you learn to forgive you’re no longer a prisoner in your own body full of sickness and suffering and you’ll be much happier. Service also brings happiness. Doing random acts of kindness and detaching yourself from the outcome brings moments of happiness. Living in the past brings depression and regret. Living in the future brings fear and anxiety. Living in the moment brings contentment. Happiness comes from within. Live life with lightness of being and be content with moments of happiness. ☺️❤️

[@samanthisena1]

Hi there! From my Buddhist background: Parenting: you're happy bc you're deeply in the present with your child. Moderation/ middle path: also about understanding nuance in life. Eg: not wrong to drink alcohol if you're not going to harm yourself or others through your speech or actions. Virtue: loving kindness, compassion, having joy for yourself and others, and equanimity, generosity, gratitude... And the Buddha didn't meditate on the universe, but on himself. Recognition that we are all connected is one consequence of this. Understanding in yourself that you and human beings are essentially good.

[@Mystic_Paths]

It's a state of being where you are fully aligned with your true self, embracing who you are and feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose ❤

[@LanceWinder]

I watch a ton of big thing videos, this is easily one of the best

[@geoffwatches]

Yeah I like this guy

[@kevinknight1139]

This man is brilliant at providing a concise discourse on philosophical tenets.

[@patsingleton2093]

To me, happiness comes in moments , often unexpectedly. Trying to plan or create happiness can be futile and disappointing. Pleasure is only as good as its peak and it usually comes at a cost. I try aiming for contentment and satisfaction and let happiness come as it may. Happiness to all !

[@sophielwitz]

I believe that I achieve happiness when I can be experiencing one thing at a time, and feel utterly and simply fulfilled by that one thing. such as drinking a great coffee out of a fascinating cup and staring at the trees outside my window.

[@ashishc.s4353]

Happiness = Golden retriever and vice versa ❤❤❤

[@rehngonzales]

Currently on my Kabbalah learning journey, its simple teachings are wonderful. ❤

[@tania.creates]

jonny and his approach to teaching philosophy in an accessible way has been one of the best things in my 2024, looking forward to continuing to learn - thank you :)

[@zeddybear257]

I’ve been pursuing happiness through purpose and contentment and have stripped away as many ‘extras’ as I can in order to do so, in order to focus. Too many distractions have left me with little that aligns with my values. To be truly happy, I will want my values to be a central focus in all of my activities. I want security, creativity, affection, activity and rest. When I was in the wrong occupation for me, I did too many things that were unfulfilling and too little of what I found fulfilling - it took time away from activities and people that I loved. I asked myself how I want to spend my days and I had to narrow it down to only a couple of flexible activities outside of my main occupation which I also want to absolutely love doing. In practice, I keep finding ways to refine my planning and role execution because it’s enjoyable. I trust that with time, I will get better at everything that I do, as I always have before and this calms any anxiety over insecurity. I know that I’m already in the process of creating an ideal and am not just in the beginning. The journey is what I will remember at all stages, not the destination because I’ll never be “there” since it doesn’t exist.

[@artworthi]

Be like water, " little that aligns with my values" - to be happy allow alignment to be THE value. Values are ego.

[@MultiFenerbahce123]

Wow what a well done video, and the speaker is amazing as well. So well put and said

[@AlamMahmood]

This guy helped me to get more in philosophy. He has the power of story telling in a compelling way.

[@elsassparklyposts5252]

This man described happiness the best. The final few minutes of this talk about why you might be unhappy are pure gold❤

[@mojganafagh7800]

How can I thank you? you brought philospphy into our modern daily life! it is awesome❤

[@iDebateishere]

this is why i love this channel. good information provided simply and very well.

[@scottcook926]

Wise quote: They have a place for people that are happy all the time....

[@agotakolman7418]

Happiness is to be happy for what you have, and work about what do you want to enjoy yet. Don't let to anybody to tell you, how you must live your life, is your responsibility. Happines you can found in small thing's..Sunshine, Sea, Birds, Music, Crying because you take out all your heavy feelings..if is Raining, you can watch a good movie..i think, we can found always something to feel happy, many things are about how we are thinking/see our world.😇

[@highcue]

The most compressible explanation about happiness I've ever heard

[@pulse3554]

i wouldn't trust a westerner on this lmao

[@algirdaskersys9173]

Thanks

[@genebrowne3138]

Happiness is a fleeting moment. The pursuit of happiness is an evolutionary survival mechanism. Its like feeling full or hungry if we constantly felt full we would starve to death. If we constantly felt completely happy we might just say be content to sit in or own muck with no need or desire to move. And what make you happy changes eating icecream might make you happy but if u were forced to eat it for every meal for weeks it would make you unhappy. People need to learn how to be grateful

[@yetanotheryoutuber4271]

Thank you for pointing out virtue as an important aspect - it is often overlooked or underrepresented in positive psychology.

[@andy_ppp]

There’s no wrong paths only different learnings along the way.

[@HamouBrahimou]

First of all, thank you, Thomson, for this insightful presentation. I would like to share what happiness means to me, how I have always searched for it, and where I finally found it. From a young age, I was always the smiling, happy, and cheerful person who liked to joke and spread happiness around. As I grew older, I read self-help books to find meanings and strengthen my desire to lead a happy life. This worked for some time, but then I felt a strong urge to find my own happiness, not the one described in books. This journey was both joyful and miserable, and I made sure to experience both the best and worst feelings you can imagine. This path lasted a few years before I realized it was not the direction I wanted to continue. So, I surrendered to God's path-the path to serve others and pray for guidance every single day from the greatest Allah. Surprisingly, I finally felt blessed by the smallest things in my life. This doesn't mean my life is perfect; in striving for perfection, I lost my soul. It doesn't mean I have everything figured out, but I have found my purpose in this life: to create wealth, praise Allah, and always be kind to others.

[@jbarelds78]

Thanks a lot for this. To me it seems that consumerism is tightly linked to the first two pillars. Buying stuff may feel pleasurable (in a hedonistic way), but won't make you happy in a more profound way. And it's never enough, theres always a more bigger house, more exclusive watch, faster car, or whatever. Learning to control yourself, even if you have the money, and learning to live a modest life will make your life better. This is where moderation ties in.

[@sarah_queen321]

Surrendering to god gives a lot of relief & joy👍

[@JOSEPHWEATHERBY-h8o]

Walking with my God,who adds all these things unto me.

[@SafiaMoffatt]

There have been times when I've seemed happy outwardly but were some of the most stressful times of my life. Which put a damper on my happiness at the time.

[@magicllama9614]

Agree or disagree, this was very well explained. Thank you Mr. Thomson

[@ChMir-cv3xf]

Wow! this is just mind blowing!! The best thing here in this "scientific" video is that it makes hapiness measurable in a way... Just great!!

[@brianasolisfashionbeautytravel]

I think I am in love with this man.

[@nicoloputzu]

admirable knowledge, a comparative work across all the kind of philosophies requires a lot of work and skimming, thank you for the very interesting video!

[@swlucas]

Fantastic! I feel like I just received an extremely useful 10 min distillation of his PhD thesis.

[@ArnobBarua-p6e]

Happiness lies within surrender to the Almighty & keep practicing virtue, goodness, caring to others. Having family & friends 😊

[@bonitazepeda6729]

That was explained so well and the visuals were fantastic to help with understanding. Great teaching!

[@paramitacdewi]

This is by far one of the most important video I've watched in life, I need to get back here regularly to check in

[@Cheyne4Chelsea]

Altruism vs egoism Kindness vs cruelty Justice vs injustice Wisdom vs ignorance Humility vs arrogance

[@edrotenberg]

I think a lot about this from time to time... But now we have the structural approach - the framework. Thanks a lot Jonny

[@TaisFiki]

To be truly happy, I will want my values to be a central focus in all of my activities

[@mileskeller5244]

I love mini philosophy, I love big think, and you are an amazing man Johnny. Keep up the great work guys.

[@tonyfrench8656]

Brilliant stuff Jonny. Found my missing pillar straight away.

[@katieleofficial]

Happiness is not what you're looking for. Happiness is already within you, but you're too busy to look inside yourself and keep looking outside. No one or nothing can make you happy. When you're truly and deeply happy with no attachment, then you see happiness everywhere.

[@amy4everken]

Thanks for this wonderful video. I try to be content by living my life by the golden rule, transforming my expectations into acceptance and seeing the good in everyone, everything, every day.❤️

[@jellyshorts0to1]

Thank God. Please more video about this

[@yvngarmz5984]

This is amazing, like a philosophical meta-analysis! So incredibly explained and edited too, a new fave for sure.

[@USONOFAV]

Happiness is contentment in life

[@mskilike1302]

Extraordinario. Me ha dado una imagen clara, concisa y muy estimulante. Además está muy alineada con mis propias reflexiones. gracias y enhorabuena

[@FeruzaXalbayeva]

Everyone has their understanding concept of happiness and it is true for everyone as well as relative to anyone

[@GeorgiKarchev]

To me this is the best interview you did so far! TY!

[@Angela-hf2qn]

According to most research, studies generally indicate that people without children tend to report higher levels of happiness compared to those with children, with many studies finding that parents are often less happy than child-free individuals,

[@zedftofficial]

Thank you for this, very clear, concise, structured and easy to comprehend.

[@juliteles]

Absolutely amazing video, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! ✨️

[@Lruiz3865]

Johny is so accurate what it comes to explain philosophy to mortals Great video 👍

[@median_subscriber]

The clarity of thought! Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@HansZarkovPhD]

The deeper i am, the happier i am.

[@dcterr1]

Very helpful video, and I agree that these are the main things that we need to be happy.

[@caspiangreen]

Brilliant observation! But it’s possible to apply by anyone. Thank you for this video.

[@Mustafa_Naqvi5]

Amazing video. Amazing man; Johnny brother is indeed a very kind, pleasant and moderate person. Because he has seen beauty in any religious aspect and philosophy of all sects. I admire and respect him deeply as i see this video. He taught me about Islamic value which I also was unaware. Great man. ❤ Very appreciated.

[@zyfg4710]

I enjoy the explanation. Still processing the content

[@fungjoon]

The search is really for peace

[@spikegillespie]

I’m not sure which algorithm put you in my IG path but I’m glad it happened. Really enjoying your content. Scratches some deep mind itches for me. Thank you. I am inspired to start off the new year by rabbit holing philosophy. This was an excellent start.

[@Wuddleboo]

A large part of happiness is being empathetic and loving towards others - a trait that men have historically been taught to oppress. It might be a large reason for the male unhappiness/loneliness epidemic.

[@shantanu.t]

Brilliant. Jam packed with valuable info!

[@brawinandrew]

It's actually four pillars; if you want to experience supersensuous joy, you should be following all these four pillars and balancing them accordingly. The first one is the study of spiritual knowledge to understand the divinity of the supreme being and your relationship with the universe, time, and life. The second is meditation, or remembrance. If you believe in the divine living being that is more powerful than the universe, make sure to remind yourself constantly throughout your day so that you can feel the connection and joy at the same time. The third is the practice of divine virtues; if you believe that you are connected to a divine living being, make some efforts to project it through your lifestyle (one of the special virtues is love, altruistic love). and the last is the service you provide to others without even the slightest expectation of its return (altruistic server) And all the other day-to-day activities give you and make you experience the deepest reality within you; it can be your child, or your spouse, or your work; everything makes you feel that fulfillment, and it's always there in the universe until you see it.

[@charlesmuller120]

Thanks for this!

[@creativecontrive]

This video really made me rethink what happiness means! I love the distinction between hedonia and eudaimonia. It's so true that we often chase fleeting pleasures instead of lasting fulfillment. 🌟

[@catche85]

Watch some of Ross Edgleys docos about his swimming feats, he talks about his pursuit of eudiamonia a lot.

[@brimendis]

Smiling soul, I love that

[@brendanlaw9821]

I believe there are no sets of rules. Each person lives their lives only how they can, and I accept and understand this. My way is to decondition and try operate spontaneously with an empty mind.

[@nurserynook]

This is my favourite of your videos by far! Well done:)

[@mazatlurbini6293]

We would never be truly happy if we seek universal happiness as an answer

[@bradholc]

Thanks. What a great video

[@Bat_Boy]

Attachment is the root of all evil. I dont "want" a specific outcome, like happiness, success or failure...I "want" the process itself, the becoming, the effort ..and the sometimes, pain, suffering and sacrifice that may come with it. I do what I do, because I dont know what to do, when Im not doing it.

[@santlalchaudhary424]

Hi i am from india i love to listen this channel. I keep such talk in my playlist.

[@WillOrr1]

Interesting and thoughtful, thank you. I'm particularly interested in this topic and would suggest that moderation/temperance could also be considered virtues. Perhaps the video could have explored the importance of relationships-with family, friends, or a sense of belonging to a community. I would also add that finding meaning and purpose in life, through contributing to something larger than oneself, may be another key element of happiness. Wishing everyone deep happiness.

[@kariannecrysler640]

I would suggest that virtue should be seen as understanding the self to its purest self and accepting that, creating a fact based foundation for addressing the other items on the list. This individualizes virtue for “spiritual” pursuits and provides a foundation for navigating societal interactions when used in accordance to the laws that govern the individual.

[@MarshmilloJB]

I smile when I see him mention daoism, a Chinese philosophy

[@jerzypawlowski7999]

Epicurus argued that most healthy people are naturally born happy. Young healthy people are naturally happy. They find happiness in simple things, like jumping, hopping, and playing. Epicurus argued that happiness is maintained by avoiding things that make us unhappy. Happiness is not achieved by wealth or indulgence. We don't have to strive for happiness. Happiness is maintained by moderation, friendship, and simple pleasures.

[@neo-physics]

Thank you for this.

[@pruthvipatel8720]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing this!

[@wubwub616]

The thing about justice is that it is something we generally have a need for but which we don’t actually have. A sense of justice is a cognitive construct created by the mind but justice itself does not exist in the external reality.

[@one93media]

Great content, really enjoyed watching it.

[@chrismarion4385]

Bono said it best - I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Solomon who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes identified what it is we’re all looking for, the thing that seems missing. It’s God and our separation from Him. We are most fulfilled when we are honoring God and doing our best to follow his commandments. Worship God and do onto others as we’d have done to us.

[@hudhaikal5847]

Never heard of jonny thomson but this video is too good to be left uncommented. Thanks jonny

[@Jade15888]

I think of a Japanese neuroscientist, Dr. Kenichiro Mogi. He wrote a book about "生き甲斐". I think he knows well in this field.

[@emthority]

We need to separate happiness from independence. One is how we feel about the past. The other about the future. The two add up to our quality of life.

[@totalfreedom45]

A good, happy, loving human being has no followers, follows no one, and needs no recreational drugs, no weapons, no flags, no holy books, no religions, no churches, no saviors, no gods. *_Without love and sense of humor there is unhappiness and life is meaningless._* 💕☮🌎🌌

[@rosabeen]

Love this explanation, thank you Jonny!

[@GlennGoryl]

(IMO): "1. Take responsibility for EVERYTHING in your life. YOU decide how you are going to react to everything. 2. Treat EVERYONE with kindness. STOP being Tribal (humans are still barbaric because they are Tribal). 3. Find the most intelligent AND kind people you can and work to make them friends for life." Glenn Goryl

[@ele81946]

Your #1 is right on all the pillars. #2 is in the Virtue pillar. #3 ia practical and have its challenges as who you want to make them friends for life since the most intelligent and kind are often neither wise nor likely exemplify the second pillar, not to mention that they have challenge of being happy themselves. Your #1 is the most critical. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@TheExistenceClass0]

Yes Sir ❤ The Advices We Give Are The Solutions Of Our Own Problems We are Trying To Find 😉

[@phothar93]

Bro just tricked normies to listen to Aristotle. Well done.

[@JVanProduction]

I wonder how many parents say that they are truly happy or the societal pressures to claim that they are happy. There’s some other data gah claim that people that are childless are actually happier but I think in certain phases of your life not having children could affect you more deeply.

[@ipsitahossain2842]

No.3 is basically when people tell you ' you're a good boy' we wave our invisible tail happily