What is Happiness?

[@schodes]

hey you, i see you. watch the video and stay out of the comments. “There is perhaps nothing worse than reaching the top of the ladder and discovering that you’re on the wrong wall.” ― JOSEPH CAMPBELL

[@williamwhitcomb3803]

That was me and this comment worked haha

[@bremulate5318]

Stop reading our minds! Privacy dude!

[@markschultz1476]

Congratulations and great job!

[@TapDat52K]

I managed to do just that

[@richardtalbot8188]

Have you read Happy by Derren Brown?

[@daniel_netzel]

I mean, I was already expecting greatness, but this blew me away. Truly cannot imagine the time and effort that must have gone into this, and cannot express enough how incredible of a job you've done. Like, there's the geek in me that's absolutely astounded by your editing and animation in this video, and just knowing how even one second of this video likely meant an entire day's worth of work, but what you've done here is really special for so many other reasons. Presentation aside, which seriously, **chefs kiss** you're looking into what honestly might be the most important issue of anyone's lifetime. We get caught up in a million different things, and everyone has different goals or values but it all does fall under the umbrella of happiness. It's just universally, objectively the thing we should all be after and yet so many of us struggle with it so frequently, I know I do. I feel like I've already learned something of value, and I can't wait to sit down with this again and sponge everything up. Thank you for diving into this for the rest of us, you're honestly doing such a great thing here. Can't wait for the rest of the series, 11/10 A +++ video dude.

[@Hooz97]

well said- 100% agree. I knew this was a special channel. Keep up the great work!

[@DaveKatague]

@@Hooz97 Every Story is the Same is my Web Browser Homepage hahah

[@bryanjiang]

Holy hell, 46 minutes of pure quality. Way to raise the bar!

[@michabrugger7664]

Dear Will. I've come back to this video (and series) time and time again over the past 2 years. Unfortunately, they have not been as much of a "commercial" success as some of your other pieces. I imagine they might be a bit too long and in some ways too densely packed with information for some people out there. There is no real fairness or logic to this and given the incredible amount of work that must have gone into these pieces, I can only imagine how much this might hurt you. This series has been one of the most impactful pieces of content I've ever stumbled upon and your way of thinking, talking and sharing your knowledge has been a fundamental source of inspiration and guidance over the past years and I would not be the human being I am today without it. So, no matter where you are or what your doing right now, I wish you all the happiness in the world. If you ever doubt yourself, I want you to know that you've truly changed my life and that of many of my close-one's for the better. Thank you!

[@ThomasFlight]

He's is back baby!

[@schodes]

Flight is tru god tho

[@Jaumiusk13]

Unbelievable production value, organization, and ideas in here WIll. Hope this blows up!

[@schodes]

Thanks for the love Nick!

[@josephwagner5295]

My tabs are closed, my phone is away, I am ready

[@schodes]

ah yes, the self himself returns

[@shamirgeorge]

Table of Contents: 0:00 Introduction 4:26 Chapter 1 What is Happiness? 7:21 I. The Three Theories 7:25 Theory 1: Life Satisfaction 12:08 Theory 2: Hedonism 14:51 Theory 3: Emotional State Theory 19:33 Endorsement 20:55 Engagement 24:10 Attunement 28:38 Three-State Recap 29:39 Mood Propensitiesc 31:47 II. Choosing a Theory 34:23 III. How Happy is Happy? 37:16 IV. How Important is Happiness? 44:17 Credits

[@AcolytesOfHorror]

The sheer density of value and mature presentation blows just about everything else on KZbin out of the water. Congratulations on making some truly impactful art

[@schodes]

Thank you so much Natha---I mean, Acolytes of Horror.

[@AcolytesOfHorror]

Will Schoder 😎

[@proboscideank.7069]

Glad you're back, Will!

[@schodes]

glad to be back!

[@martinspoonerkingjr.4432]

You're an inspiration. To write and direct and animate something of this scale, with such passion. I could almost see all the scales you described of happiness manifest themselves in this single video. You should be happy, proud, of this amazing video. Till the next one.

[@misteramazing]

This video is an accomplishment - damn near something that could be published in a journal. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@zakshah3480]

"Happiness" is finally being able to watch another one of your videos after so long. The immediate sense I got from the video was just how pervasive Dan Haybron's work has really gone with its analysis of both past flaws in philosophy and the ever-changing definitions of "happiness". Surely, the man in 1820 might have had different *activities* to preoccupy themselves with, but in the more real sense, he's still like us. I think your opening argument for the vast confusion as to what most people "believe" is happiness was a great choice. Even after watching the teaser for this video series, I was stumped to try and find an answer. I hazard to guess what the next 13 episodes could possibly offer compared to the enormity that this first episode demonstrated, and I that excites me. With regards to the synergy of Attunement, Engagement, and Endorsement, I remember reading James Clear's Atomic Habits, and his elaboration on the idea that in order to change *habits*, we had to change our *identity*. He used three concentric circles, with an arrow point towards the center and another pointing outward from the center. His principle was that in order to change our outermost actions (ie habits), we would have to "identity" as someone who acted in such a manner (ie the inner circle). The example he gave was that, in order to quit smoking, identify as a nonsmoker, and your actions subsequently exude the actions of one. He noted the difficulty in actually changing one's identity as the main hurdle we should focus on, and the need for actions being the driving force for identity change, which begs the question, does that dilemma also apply to the synergy of changing one's Attunement? I smiled through the entire video. As someone who has gone through an existential crisis, the question of happiness is one that can draw curtains over taking steps forward. Somehow, I felt like I was watching this video in that state of mind, returning to a previous tumultuous moment in life when things were hard, and now, finally getting an answer to what bugged me. Thank you Will Schoder.

[@TheGiggadude]

"His principle was that in order to change our outermost actions (ie habits), we would have to "identity" as someone who acted in such a manner." I think I recognised a vague understanding of this within myself months ago, and have been struggling with it ever since. I was so worried about detatching from the ideal of who "I" was that it took me a long time to do anything about it. Cheers so much for writing this comment dude.

[@jake_runs_the_world]

jesus this is a whole book

[@recolinotyu]

The best thing is that this is only part 1!

[@schodes]

📚 be the book 📚 become the book 📚

[@qkqk4317]

I was part of the "tiling the universe with heroin rats" camp but this kinda challenged my convictions! You really outdid yourself with the writing and graphic design here! Looking forward to the sociology episode

[@schodes]

thanks yo! super cool to hear it challenged your convictions. very rare to hear on the Internet.

[@officialsquadrilogystudio]

KZbin's Biggest crimes: 4:) Promoting low quality Entertainment 3:) Corporate Pandering 2:) not defending Fair use 1.) not getting this video on trending.

[@schodes]

crime crime crime! down with criminals!

[@DaveKatague]

What can we do to get this on trending!!!

[@64_bit80]

for so goddamn long I've been trying to figure out why I've been fundamentally unhappy and I think this is the first framework I've seen that thoroughly accounts for whatever I've felt

[@Rawi888]

I watched the video in one sitting man. I have severe adhd so damn, you really struck a tune there. Your videos are inspiring man. Thank you.

[@justafellowmortal4000]

It's been a long time since I watched a video in 1x speed , this is the BEST documentary I have ever watched and the only that made me actually take notes, thank you

[@lonzoarg]

You did something for humanity here. Im from argentina south america, and this comes right in time in my life. Thnks, hope good fortune comes to you for this amazing work and wish u a robust happiness

[@Angryprobedroid]

Hey I'm digging the thought here. I fell into most of the amorphous "reasons for not even trying to evaluate happiness" you brought up at the beginning, but this is giving me another avenue to think about, maybe improve myself.

[@schodes]

🙏

[@tommyguy9677]

This really made me start thinking about analyzing my happiness instead of just checking in with it. Thanks! Great vid

[@alexreustle]

Great to see Will again, with such a valuable video.

[@shadbakht]

There is so much information covered here that I feel like you need to watch this at 0.75X speed, to have time to absorb them

[@schodes]

become the sponge you've always wanted to be

[@dabrick100]

Laughing Baba's sent me, great video!

[@MGHOoL5]

Oh my, this is a masterpiece.. I am shockingly very attracted to this series and can't wait for the other episodes! Thank you so much for your hard work.

[@schodes]

Thanks Sattam!

[@knosis]

I have been waiting for this all day!

[@lilgarbagedisposal9141]

Absolutely fantastic job. This is unironically one of the best videos I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@schodes]

thanks lil garbage disposal!

[@nicolasviulet443]

I'm in high school and I'm new to philosophy but I find it very cool; this video really makes me want to keep learning, the production is amazing and the flow of the video keeps me engaged. This is definitely one of the best videos on KZbin, amazing channel.

[@cleanwater3180]

I needed this so much, thank you, just thank you.

[@schodes]

Of course, I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@Baggydawg1]

This was absolutely fantastic. Incredible production quality, thorough research, memorable quotes, curious approach, and beautifully narrated and visualised. Really good job on this one man. You are a true hidden gem on KZbin.

[@schodes]

Thank you Tobias--I really appreciate that.

[@ajiththomas2465]

The production value, writing, structure, editing, music, and overall experience was of the highest quality. This was a phenomenal 46 minute long video and I can't wait to see what else you have in stock in the future if this is how high you've set the bar. Bravo Will for making one hell of a video. To add my own thoughts about happiness, I think suffering is an essential part of happiness. Just like the duality of Yin and Yang, we can't really define happiness without having suffering to contrast it. For example, with The Pleasure Machine, even though we may have all the pleasure in the world at our fingertips, we would feel unhappy about it because there's no struggle to attaining the pleasure, it's just immediate gratification. If all you feel is pleasure, then you become numb to true happiness. That's why immediate gratification is such an issue for people and keeps them from attaining happiness and attunement. It's only in suffering that we truly appreciate our feelings of happiness. I'm not masochist not am I advocating for Suffering For All. I'm just pointing out that trying to take suffering out of the equation to happiness is throwing the baby out with the bathwater. We experience greater pleasure and happiness when we delay our immediate gratification in order to accomplish something difficult in am excellent matter. It's because we struggled to and earned it that makes it so fulfilling compared to if we just got it from the start. When you're in flow, it's the reasonable challenge that's acting as an obstacle to prevent you from reaching your goals which is what lights the fire under you to achieve it. It's about the journey, not necessarily the destination. How this relates to emotional state theory is that real happiness lies in being high on attunement, in feeling comfortable with yourself and the world, and to be able to use that as a foundation in order to face whatever life gives you, in order to appreciate the joys, endure through the sorrows, and know that there's always something to hope for and strive for and that whatever suffering you're facing how is only temporary. Those are my thoughts. What do you think?

[@schodes]

Hey Ajith, thank you so much. It's wonderful to get thoughtful comments like yours. In terms of what I think--I think you're someone who has deeply understood the whole thing, that's what I think. You're able to see the nuance that's not quite explicit, which is that Emotional State Theory includes suffering without quite mentioning it. Attunement and Engagement require suffering (which is also why our intense focus on Endorsement/Pleasure is self-defeating). The last part of what you said nails it: "How this relates to emotional state theory is that real happiness lies in being high on attunement, in feeling comfortable with yourself and the world, and to be able to use that as a foundation in order to face whatever life gives you, in order to appreciate the joys, endure through the sorrows, and know that there's always something to hope for and strive for and that whatever suffering you're facing how is only temporary." To be attuned is to be happy, and the other dimensions are a plus. As far as I can tell, there are many paths to Attunement--two of which are wisdom and acceptance (we'll get to them later)--and all of them are related to suffering. The dimension is named after the Stoics in particular because of inner fortitude--that is, to be OK no matter what happens (suffering included). I would include the Buddhists as well--their peace is a bit different, training the mind in acceptance/awareness to the point that suffering isn't a big deal. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment.

[@ajiththomas2465]

@@schodes Well, thank you for replying, Will. I really appreciate it and glad that you found my comment to being thoughtful. Yeah, Attunement seems to be the linchpin behind Emotional State Theory. Suffering is an essential part of life, because we can only appreciate the joys of life if we have sorrows to compare and contrast it to. Being able to feel comfortable in your own skin and your own place in the world seems to be one of those things that people need to learn in order to be happy because being hopeful and knowing that you're going to be alright no matter what comes makes it easier to focus more on the other dimensions of happiness. Once you have Attunement on lock, Endorsement and Engagement become much easier. The Stoics and Buddhists certainly have similar philosophies in regards to inner fortitude and in focusing on what they can control and not what they can't. If I were to differentiate the two in an analogy, I'd say that Stoicism is like a boulder in a river. No matter how much water passes through, trying to push the boulder back and let it be controlled by it's flow, the boulder remains stubborn in staying in place and simply endures whatever passes through it. Buddhism is more like being a balloon floating in the fair, letting go of all earthly attachments in order to prevent them from chaining you down. No matter how the wind blows, you'll always continue flying through the air. I think that's an acceptable analogy for differentiating between Stoicism and Buddhism, although they obviously have a lot of shared ideas. I think one's material conditions and basic needs also play a role in Attunement and Happiness. Now, that isn't to say that one can't be happy if their basic needs aren't met, as shown by Victor Frankl and his book _Man's Search For Meaning_, where even prisoners of the concentration camps during the Holocaust could still endure through it by having hope and meaning. But I'm sure we can agree that more often than not, it's easier for someone to be high in attunement if their basic needs being met isn't a problem. Just like in Maslow's Heirachy of Needs, if one's Physiological Needs like air, water, food, shelter, sleep, clothing, and reproduction are met, then it's easier to fulfill the higher tier needs of Safety Needs, Love and Belonging, Esteem, and finally Self-Actualization. So someone in the upper end of the socioeconomic ladder who have their basic needs already met is going to have it easier to be high on Attunement compared to someone in the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder, where they're struggling to put food on the table or have a roof over their heads. You can't really build a house of cards if the bottom layer isn't stable. I'd like to recommend a video by Professor Jelkington called "Hope" because I feel like it's that angry dare to be hopeful message that I think a lot of people who are experiencing the hellish year that is 2020 need to hear. That daring to be hopeful is one of the most courageous things you can do. That's my 2 cents. What do you think, Will?

[@jawtv8355]

I'd highly recommend not pausing this video because: 1) It is far too good to just put down and return to. If anything, watch it all the way through and then rewatch it in pieces. 2) You risk pausing it anytime Will says "happiness" and if you do it at the right time, you just get "piness." Excellent work, Will. Well-researched and well-presented. Can't believe you're giving us a whole series!

[@schodes]

heyyyy JawTV brudda! thank you so much. I will pop a dome shield for you any day.

[@ggk9828]

I really needed to hear this bro. Thank you. Truly. Love the soundtrack as well.

[@schodes]

Hey Gere, it's great to hear that it helped you at this moment in time. Thanks for leaving and comment and expressing your gratitude.

[@MoarCowbell69]

This video came at a perfect time in my life. I've been fighting depression and I have my first appointment set for next week. This has given me a lot to think about...I was already had a lot to say, but this may quantify some things that have been bringing me down. Like, I'm currently finished working my second year at the company I've been working at. I haven't worked more than two years at a company due to my high functioning autism....so I'm anxious because I don't feel like I'm secure with my job, even though I've been promoted recently. There's a lot more I could say, but I don't want to air out my life in the comments. You've expanded my vocabulary in regards to feelings. Thank you.

[@nicholasflamel4280]

I hope you have found your way! Also that everything has worked out for you :)

[@Ruby_V_]

what an excellent capture of the nuance in this topic. I'm really looking forward to the rest of these :)

[@quizoflife5772]

00:00 Intro 04:28 Chapter 1 - What is Happiness 05:56 Distinction between happiness and well-being 07:24 Part 1 - The Three Theories 07:25 Theory 1. Life Satisfaction Theory 12:08 Theory 2. Hedonism 14:51 Theory 3. Emotional State Theory 19:35 Central affective state: Endorsement 20:58 Central affective state: Engagement 24:12 Central affective state: Attunement 28:40 Three-State Recap 29:39 Mood Propensities 31:47 Part 2 - Choosing a Theory 34:22 Part 3 - How Happy is Happy? 37:17 Part 4 - How Important is Happiness?

[@JoaoPedro-jc5fm]

oh, you're back, baby, yes!

[@schodes]

woop woop

[@Deidara913]

Amazing video, a sight to behold, truly! I'm 'happy' you went for quality not quantity! Can't wait for the next episode!

[@kenjpg]

I stumbled across your channel through the video you did of the attention economy and I was blown away with how that video unironically took all my own attention. Your attention to detail on top of your thoroughness of research behind concepts is so inspiring. I think I found my new favorite channel

[@DouwedeJong]

Working definition: Happiness is a cookie the brain bakes for itself.

[@ktoput7333]

and "Meaning is a jumper you have to knit yourself" :)

[@rickstevens1167]

@Zoo Cuffs operative word READ

[@ashishrathi4916]

Joscha bachs fan here

[@johnnymadrid8071]

God I don't know how many times I've watched this, but it rings more and more true everytime

[@AndreSantos-rf2vj]

Thank you for caring. Thank you for putting the effort and going the extra mile. It's well worth it! A few weeks ago I rewatched all of your videos because they have many nuggets of wisdom and compassion. I was missing new ones tho. Thanks Will!

[@steini1993]

This needs so much more attention! Thank you for your incredicle work Will, I really wish for many more people to see and listen to this.

[@andymandy6264]

Alan Watts quote near the end was a very touching way to end this video. Thank you for choosing him, and his way with words.

[@schodes]

He's a very insightful and fun philosopher. Definitely has a way with words.

[@MiddleVan]

I never save youtube videos or bookmark them, and here I am, saving and bookmarking it, even send the link to friends who do animations to show them what an amazing job Will did on this video. I always, ALWAYS ask myself why there are so little well thought out, planned out, executed content on KZbin that actually benefits my life rather than waste my time and give me temporal pleasure, and here you are, defying the massive clout chasing, money worshiping, fast food type of KZbin content tide and decide to do your own thing. I genuinely hope this series blow up and encourages more creator to do this.

[@Blazelee97]

Hey man, I’ve been thinking about the subject of happiness and what it really means in the context of my life and this video really helped me achieve some clarity. Thank you so much!

[@schodes]

That's great to hear!!

[@muzzah32]

Dear Will, I love your content!! Wishing you health and ... a lasting emotional state of life satisfaction! Love

[@schodes]

thanks murray!!

[@jacobohnstad4432]

This made me realize that asking myself "am I happy?" Is a useless answer-less question that actually gets in the way of feeling.

[@MrSquarehead]

I've been waiting for this video. Finally!

[@schodes]

woohooo!!!

[@Mithoswashere]

This is some next-level stuff and I have watched it all.

[@schodes]

That makes you a next-level viewer. Thanks Martin!

[@gabe9802]

Really well done--very surreal to see your former camp counselor put this out as your studying philosophy in college. Glad you've found a space for your ideas and content.

[@louisho2522]

Oh shit he's got the set and the cool shirt Awesome Edit: The graphics are sweet too. Very cool

[@schodes]

all you need is a set and a shirt, and you my friend, are a tuber

[@louisho2522]

@@schodes thank u Mr. Will I'll try my best

[@danielbanham5841]

I was really very skeptical of this whole process since it was announced. I tried to watch this a few times and never felt "up to it", or "had the time". One of the reasons I enjoyed your previous videos was because it felt like whole topics were condensed into easily digestible videos, that I could explore further if I was inclined to. However, it's absolutely brilliant. Really really brilliant. I think i now "get it". Can't imagine the amount of work that went into it. Thought provoking, informative, and mind-opening. Knowing less and less about more and more comes to mind, in the best way possible. Genuinely great work.

[@rishikasiraj9409]

Bro Im so happy you're back

[@hankidyhank]

Honestly the quality of this video is second to none, it's amazing.

[@ChathamFireDeptfan]

I have watched this series every year since you released it, it’s a great little check point to remind me of how to live

[@Good_Horsey]

I get the feeling this series is gonna hit me like season 6 of Bojack

[@devinstrauch6329]

happiness is a new will schoder video.

[@spikespiegel008]

Loved the video will. Glad you’re back and hope to see more. Said this in your last video but I’ll say it again, you are my favorite KZbinr

[@xSkidMarx]

Didn't get this recommended for me until this morning. Hopefully this blows up because it's fantastic content. Really happy to see you back making videos!

[@schodes]

Thanks Adam. I am back!

[@foxfire1345]

I wish I get to have conversations like this with anyone, About happiness and the meaning of life. Everyone is just so busy and blinded by superficial things.

[@schodes]

when you find that friend, it will be a magical experience.

[@Luiscencias]

This is incredibly engaging and well put together. I truly hope it reaches tons of people

[@mapadillorex]

Thank you for this video. The detail and specificity with which you dove into the emotional state theory gave me, personally, an incredible amount of insight into better understanding myself and what makes me happy. I really loved how you framed the beginning of this series as the introduction of a lens for understanding happiness, not a prescriptive idea of what it looks like. Especially during these hard times, it is incredibly difficult not to dwell on the missed opportunities and experiences in which I would usually expect to be feeling much more attuned this time of year, but the understanding of happiness you’ve so wonderfully articulated gives me confidence that I can grow to seek attunement regardless of circumstance.

[@eddytritten]

You must have very strong legs to support the balls to invest so much effort into a project like this. Content that doesn't fit KZbin's algorithm but rather something that people may need. Good job, it was a lot of information, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[@schodes]

this is one of my favorite comments ever

[@RadioactivePhil]

Wonderfully put together. Thank you Will and a big thanks to your Patrons.

[@schodes]

Appreciate it Phil--big props to the patrons indeed.

[@larsatticus6807]

This is really, really well said. I've previously thought of stocism as dismissive of some of the realities of life, but this explanation makes me consider things differenty. When you started explaining state theory, I thought it would be one of.those "choose happiness" things sometimes used to dismiss people with long term mental illnesses. This symthesis of momentary happiness and overall happiness/satisfaction seems real and insightful! I'm excited to watch the other episodes. You out so much thought and work into these videos! I'm really impressed.

[@MichaelKanonEducation]

I actually waited a year for you to upload and boy, was I not disappointed. This series is going to change my life. Thank you.

[@schodes]

it's great to hear it was worth the wait!

[@ВячеславНеверов-ч4ц]

wtf, this video is so underestimated! people need more of this to know what's going on in their's head . Damn , video has popped out at the right moment in recommendations :) every now and then , as all people I suppose, I think what is happiness for me , for family, for society in general and here it is : amazing explanation with numerous details . Good job, Will

[@francismausley7239]

Very thoughtful. Thanks. Abdul-Baha of the Baha'i Faith once advised two American friends: 'Think not of yourselves,' He said, 'but think of the Bounty of God. This will always make you happy’. Then with a smile He referred to an Arabic saying about the peacock, who 'is contented because he never looks at his feet - which are very ugly - but always at his plumage which is very beautiful’ :-)

[@afc499]

Amazing work, Will! Well worth the wait.

[@gabrielbeck8171]

First time watching this all the way through. WOW gonna rewatch this again tomorrow 🔥

[@kylemccallum3700]

Worth the wait!

[@danthomas8431]

You should consider an audible version of this via podcast or a podcast in general. I would definitely listen. Great work.

[@alisanhaji2396]

One thing is for sure. I am very happy to see your video ! Thank you very much for doing this.

[@schodes]

Thanks for your comment. Happy to have you here!

[@idontknowhoiam6758]

Written , directed and animated by will schoder . You must be proud . Thanks for making this immersive piece of work . I was really in a state of flow . No pausing , no yawning . The hour went in blink of an eye .

[@schodes]

I am very proud! So glad it passed in a flow.

[@fredyrik]

I'm almost speechless, words cannot express all the amazing thoughts and feelings I had whilst and after watching this, but what I can say is - I felt happy.

[@maxhalpert]

Holy shit man this video is amazing!!! cant wait for the rest of the series

[@sapphirasapphira]

4 min in but already blown away. Thanks for gifting us with your brain and work!

[@BizSoft]

Hi Will, I've seen your other videos and they were very wonderful. Quality work, truly. This one is definitely going up another level! I mean, I looked at a scene in your video from 43:05-43:12, even that very editing of color taking place from the person got me thinking in another perspective. Keep up your work man, truly inspirational, wonderful, educational and worthy/deserving of being shared by others! :)

[@schodes]

Thanks James--preciate you!!

[@addisonboozer]

It is so evident how much you have poured into this. Truly amazing work. I cant wait for the rest of the series.

[@pierremorel784]

I very rarely comment youtube videos but I felt the need to tonight. I had never seen a video from you before, but I have to say, this one is a real masterpiece. A few years ago, I created a playlist on which I would put youtube videos I find essential for my growing up and self-reflection. Yours is definitely going up there. I realized when watching that I had forgotten almost everything I learned in sociology during my high-school years. So first, thank you for giving me the desire to go back and review all of it. I also realized that the one thing I was probably never able to reach was true peace of mind, and I hope videos like this one will one day help me understand why. Good luck with whatever you'll be doing in the future mate.

[@OyesigyeDavin]

12:09 I get this from making music for several hours.. Never notice the passage of time and feel very at peace.

[@schodes]

Music is a great flow activity! You start making stuff and boom--it's dark outside.

[@TheGiggadude]

Not only is this really well put together and very informative and encouraging. But also, I really appreciate that the comedic aspects are so good without being the driving force behind the essay.

[@Sharkfatherbean]

I’m so happy that I got to see this. Your work is appreciated Will.

[@kenjiminho]

I've been waiting for this for a long time. Ever since it was announced 24 hours ago

[@schodes]

lol

[@lookoutitscaleb]

"be happy for this moment. This moment is your life."

[@TakeFiveMusic]

Loved this one. Great job will!

[@alpernai]

You were not being humble AT ALL when you said this was your best work. It's SUPERB (don't wish to compare, but on the same level (as was your previous work) and even better than kaptainkristian... which is saying A LOT). If this doesn't reach the level of exposure you intended or wish for, please know it had nothing to do with the quality and you are changing and improving lives regardless. I can't speak for everyone, but you helped me. Thank you. Will keep on watching and recommending.

[@annelawrence9127]

I missed this so much. Thank you.

[@schodes]

thanks for commenting and watching Anne!

[@RobMackenzie83]

Incredible video. Thanks for the patience and care and blood and sweat that went into this.

[@schodes]

thanks rob, preciate you.

[@KFloTacoma]

Dude, This is my second time watching this fully. I am very impressed by your deep analytical approach to discussions and very well structured explanations and portrayal of very complex ideas. Thank you for putting the time, effort and energy into your work. This was an awesome explanation for a super subjective and ambiguous topic! Bravo!

[@Silensio]

When someone is happy, he is helpful, compassionate, loving, brings to the world only good; whereas when someone is unhappy, he won’t feel very helpful, compassionate, loving and will bring negativity to the world. So, the logical conclusion is - happiness is the most important thing in everyone’s life, it is the purpose of life.

[@danielwurgaft4579]

This needs to be trending! Amazing content! May the algorithm be in your favor

[@hanke11]

If they had a “KZbin video of the year” this goes straight to the top. Incredibly well done.

[@schodes]

Thanks J -- I really appreciate that.

[@powerforu94]

Truly amazing production quality. I'm sorry it took me a whole week to get to it. It may be too long to get mainstream appreciation, but you've done an outstanding job Will. Be very proud of this video.

[@schodes]

No worries--I'm glad you watched it! And yes, I knew going in that it wouldn't go viral or anything, but I am very proud of it. Thanks for your very kind comment.

[@bengregson5737]

Been waiting for this for a while - so glad to finally see it! Don’t think it could have been more timely either, will definitely share it around. Looking forward to more! And glad to see Stoicism getting some due recognition beyond the cliched “oh he’s so stoic”

[@schodes]

Thanks Ben! Glad it resonated with you so much. Agree on the point of Stoicism--common parlance doesn't give the philosophy enough credit.

[@sumaiyamaryam3862]

This needs to blow up!!! Awesome piece of work! xx

[@schodes]

Thank you Sumaiya--so glad you loved it.

[@sumaiyamaryam3862]

@@schodes

[@tatiananikolskaya6991]

Always enjoyed your videos, Will! But this one is truly outstanding! Thank you for the depth and accuracy, your hard work and inspiration for all of us! Keep them coming!

[@georgebreahna5564]

Have been getting hyped for your big project for a while now. If all episodes cover as many paradigms, arguments and case studies, then you've definitely reached the rare sweetspot of nuance and length. I just wish all your work doesn't fizzle out and actually gets the views. Also, although the illustrative quotes are a plus, it would seem that at least some people would just cherrypick their favorite "deep" quote and gush over Allan Watts, instead of engaging in a thoughtful way with content that's clearly designed to offer so much more. I hope next episodes further cover the ties between happiness and morality, especially at an anti-realist angle, and explore the extent to which our stances on both are largely determined by social norms. Though the matrix thought experiment does make most people reluctant to wire up, the fleeting notion of authenticity given as motive is often times unsubstantiated, seeming just a strange belief produced by the feedback loops in our heads that run on society's inputs. Cost-benefit when considering potential failure seems far more convincing, at least to me. Also, on the 3 aspects of happiness, attunement doesn't really seem too much when one gets a hard on, though I guess that's why emotional state theory leaves peripheral affects aside.