hopelesshappiness.com

The purpose of searching for Truth and Wisdom in this empirical existence is to close the gap on (upper-case) Happiness; i.e. that Happiness that transcends this lifetime; that Happiness that one can only catch the occasional fleeting glimpse, of. Though (in their purest forms) Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness are unattainable, functionally speaking, the fact that we are consciously aware of their existence encourages the quest; which in turn adds meaning and purpose to this life through learning and growth, and the addition of complexity and depth. (I believe there must be an ultimate uncaused first cause - I will call it, Perfection.) So the likelihood of upper-case Happiness is relegated to fleeting, relative moments, but the functional likelihood of upper-case Happiness, as it operates in this empirical reality, is defined by the usefulness of that search which in turn depends upon the focus of the individual and their ability to balance empirical reality with transcendental consideration. Simply put, the difference between Upper-Case Happiness and Operative Upper-Case Happiness is that Operative Upper-Case Happiness is applicable to one's daily existence - (it is utilitarian and more directly related to the search or journey); whereas Upper-Case Happiness is beyond (transcends) one's daily grasp.

With these thoughts I have come up with a theory and formula (very rough draft) that connects one's 'Operative Upper-Case Happiness' (OUCH) with their sense of reality. I do not intend this as a judgment of one's choices that help them through their day, but rather as a learning tool and guide to encourage me to stay within the parameters of reality as defined by the formula and theorizing below. I have set these parameters according to my sense of reality and as I gather data, my sense of reality could slide one way or the other; though I doubt by much. I have only tested this on a handful of people, but so far the results are interesting. Here it is ...

Theory of (lower-case) happiness and reality and its applicabilty to one's search for (upper-case) Happiness; or ThrasH:

'Operative Upper-Case Happiness' = ('Actual Likelihood of Unexpected Setback' / 'Perceived Likelihood of Unexpected Setback') + 'basic everyday lower-case happiness'

OUCH = (ALUS / PLUS) + belch

ALUS = 7.5; always a constant.

PLUS scale is any positive rational number up to and including 20.

belch scale is any positive rational number up to and including 2.

For best results the formula and the ALUS constant should not be revealed until an individual identifies their PLUS # and belch # per the scale parameters and instructions below, by asking the following 2 questions:

1. "On a scale of 0 to 20, (using positive rational numbers, with 20 being the most likely), in any specific given situation how do you perceive the potential likelihood of one or more unexpected setbacks?"
2. "On a scale of 0 to 2 (using positive rational numbers, with 2 being the highest rating), how would you rate your basic everyday good cheer, satisfaction, or happiness; i.e. lower-case happiness? (Note - you should consider the opinions of significant others, and time you spend alone, when answering this question)."

Decimals and fractions are acceptable for both of the scales above.

Conclusion - Successful OUCH depends on a functionally cheerful or functionally skeptical sense of reality. There are other behavior groupings that are functional, but will not encourage a serious search for Truth and Wisdom.

A Functionally Skeptical Perspective is indicated by an OUCH score ranging from 1.65 to 2.0. A Functionally Cheerful Perspective is indicated by an OUCH score of 2.0 to 2.6.

Those individuals within the range of 1.65 to 2.6 are more likely to question the status quo and understand the difference between upper-case Happiness and lower-case happiness as well as the importance of one's search for Truth and Wisdom.

A score above 2.6 indentifies an individual who believes they have (or an individual who does have) more control than is possible or ethically justifiable; and/or one who believes that positive thinking, superiority, entitlement, or other intangibles have considerable, tangible influence, whereas the actual influence is often the product of one's force of personality and their deluded thought; and/or one who is simply not a planner or is somewhat to totally oblivious of reality; (behavior groupings include: obliviously cheerful to obliviously dysfunctional, or a politician to a power-hungry control freak, or a functional narcissist to a dysfunctional narcissist).

A score below 1.65 identifies a person who has an unrealistically strong sense of justice, and/or may believe the world is against them; (behavior groupings include: simply angry, or hatefully dysfunctional, or paranoid).

The formula operates on the premise that the PLUS norms range from 5 to 10, and that the belch norms range from 0.9 to 1.1. Additionally the belch scale (being 10% of the PLUS scale) acknowledges the influence of everyday (lower-case) happiness (good cheer/satisfaction), but only operates as a hiccup (or belch) in its influence on (upper-case) Happiness; yet because of it's ability to widen the range, it has (on an everyday basis) a greater influence than it should have because it distracts one from their search for Truth and Wisdom.

I identified the range of 'Functional' Skepticism/Cheerfulness as 1.65 to 2.6, but would add that I believe it to be healthier, more effective, and more realistic if one were on the lower end of that range.

When evaluating a score, one can focus on the PLUS and belch separately to differentiate between oblivious, controlling, or narcissist, and angry, hatefully dysfunctional, or paranoid. I have not gathered enough data to quantify these characteristics or to even know if this is the entire range of behavioral possibilities.

So far the range of OUCH scores I have gathered run from a low of 1.55 to a high of 3.5 with a significant majority falling in the normal range. The process has triggered interesting conversation and debate, and reminded me that there are those who disagree with the degree of analysis, study, and thought I believe is necessary for inner peace and exoteric goodness. That's okay ... I doubt they change my mind, but it will allow me insight into just how much others disagree. I will continue to gather data and if I am significantly influenced by this new line of thought, you will likely see future posts on the topic. And if it turns out to simply be a passing amusement, or if I find serious or fatal flaws ... it has been a beneficial exercise in thought.

There is always something out there waiting to be discovered; wanting to be written. Through 80+ weeks, I have never written ahead. I've always waited to see what cries out for attention. I do occasionally refer to random notes (that did not make it to these pages) from past weeks, and I am frequently inspired by thinkers from the past through current study/readings. This is all consistent with the (frequently-stated) premise that having learned from the past, one should live in the moment, for the future.

This week (amongst other things) I have realized that I am surprised at the surprise of each new discovery. The degree of amazement varies from 'cool...' to 'WOW!' but looking back, it is always there.

This week I have explored some dark places (both cavernous and claustrophobic) and I have discovered a new facet of inner peace. Perhaps it has been this dichotomy that has prompted this sense of wonder, in turn prompting me to more fully comprehend and appreciate surprise.

Additionally, the act of putting my thoughts on paper (so to speak) helps (me) to clarify what may have otherwise been a fleeting thought. I have been accused of (or credited with) over-thinking / over-analyzing, and comparatively speaking, it is true. Some see this attribute as a hindrance to productivity, efficiency, and/or everyday (lower-case) happiness. I see it as an aid, adding depth and complexity, in my search for Truth, Wisdom, and ultimately (upper-case) Happiness.

Another new (re)discovery/realization this week is my tendency to be human as illustrated by my fluctuation between the 2 scenarios below:

1. I give to and take from the moment in the active hope that it will propel me into a larger, deeper future. Or ...
2. I hibernate in the moment from the paralyzing fear that my future will be deemed inadequate.

Too often of late, I have found myself in the latter scenario. And the interesting part is - I am the one handing down the judgments. It is time to take some (well-calculated) risks. (See - even in the midst of these thoughts on discovery and surprise, I can't quite 'completely' let myself go - the risks must be well-calculated.)

I have the instinct of a hunter-gatherer. I have evolved into a semi-social learner/facilitator in order to survive. Now it is time for the next evolutionary step - Innovation; which means risk, uncertainty, and laughing in the face of fear; (okay, perhaps I will just sheepishly grin as I sneak past fear). Regardless, it is time I more definitely (and defiantly) place myself in scenario #1 above.

Other connected thoughts this week ...

An examination of Tolerance: Tolerance must begin with an acknowledgment that 'I' may not have all the answers. Tolerant behavior must be devoid of arrogance, disdain, condescension, ridicule, scorn, and all other like-minded synonyms. Tolerant thought is (at best) very difficult, and for some, impossible. I would maintain that intolerant behavior is reprehensible, but in so doing I would be practicing intolerance.

An examination of Passion and Enthusiasm: Passion is more carefully thought out and more deeply felt. Enthusiasm can describe a personality trait or characteristic of an individual, whereas I believe that passion is more commonly associated with a concept, object, or person that one is passionate about or exhibits passion for. Passion is selective and exclusive. Enthusiasm is broader and more inclusive. Passion is more sincere and honest.

I came to these conclusions contrasting Passion and Enthusiasm as a result of a recent personality profile assessment that showed my natural inclination is as far away from enthusiasm as one can possibly be without falling off the edge of the world. I agree with this, but still find myself displaying characteristics of enthusiasm in certain sets of circumstances, and decided the commonality in these situations is a deeply-felt conviction for the importance of specific objects, concepts, values, or significant other individuals. Obviously, since this is my natural inclination, I would prefer passion over enthusiasm. The unfortunate connection to the previous discussion above (on scenarios #1 and #2), is my hesitancy to take innovative risk, as reflected by time spent in scenario #2.

Conclusion - I am averse to uncertainty and risk which dampens enthusiasm, which in turn discourages innovation. And to bring things full-circle, I love the surprise of discovery, and I need to trust others' tolerance and increase my tolerance for potential personal failure. If I would (at least occasionally) focus on surprise, active hope, and maybe (this is hard for me to say) everyday (lower-case) happiness, I may be more open to innovation.

I need to think about it ...

Dear World,

Please hold my hand. My Mommy and Daddy did for lots of years when I was crossing the street, or ascared to go to the bathroom by myself. But now I find myself away from Mommy and Daddy and I need you to hold my hand. I have a lot of good reasons for not being reliable or not meeting expectations, but you make it even harder when you get mad or say I am whining or making excuses. You should be nicer.

Sincerely,
Caprice

Dear Caprice,

I completely understand your need for security and I would like to hold your hand; when I am able.

As your Mommy or Daddy I will hold your hand less and less frequently as you grow older, but when you are having a tough time you are welcome to come running into my arms for a big hug and I will hold your hand as we talk things through.

As your teacher I will hold your hand more frequently in the early stages of learning, but less and less so as you learn and grow, at which time I will resort to gentle nudges and words of encouragement. But I will also insist on a certain amount of accountability and self-sufficiency.

As your employer I will hold your hand (but not very often) for about two weeks; (if I have the time). At that point you are welcome to ask for instruction, direction, and occasional guidance, but really, you're pretty much on your own. I will expect you to do your job. If you insist on hand-holding, I am more likely to cut off my hand, wish you good luck, and send you on your way. I can grow another hand.

As your government I will hold your hand if you fill out lots of forms, spend hours in government offices, and somehow convince one or more drones of bureaucracy that you are a special case in dire need of hand-holding. You must also agree to become a nameless, faceless number, and know that once you are in the system we will hold your hand so tightly that you will most likely not be able to escape our grasp.

As your friend I encourage you to show compassion, consideration, and respect, through empathic listening, and perhaps we can find some time to hold each other's hand.

I know some of this sounds harsh and you may not want to hear it, but this is my way.

Sincerely,
The World

Dear World,

Thank you for your response. You are right - I do not want to hear what you are saying. I was brought up to think that you revolve around me and I could bend you to my will by simply calling on the power of 'ME'. I remember in third grade we had an entire week dedicated to 'The Importance of Me' and though I think the other kids participated I know I did the best because I got an 'A' which meant I was the most important. In fact all the way through high school I was constantly told I could do anything and be anything I wanted. So now I need you to hold my hand. Thank you for reconsidering.

Sincerely,
Caprice

Dear World,

I wrote you yesterday and you still haven't responded. I insist that you respond at once or I will have to address my concerns with your Supervisor.

Sincerely,
Caprice

Dear Universe,

Please see the attached thread of correspondence with The World. It has been two days with no response and I am rapidly losing patience. Please respond immediately or address these concerns with The World so we may resolve this situation. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Caprice

Dear Caprice,

I have looked over your request and I must agree with The World that reality does not allow for excessive hand-holding. From my (much larger) perspective I would say The World has been very generous, and I would recommend you pursue your concerns and seek resolution from within. Truth and Wisdom begin within the individual and it is up to each individual to let that search lead them to inner peace and extend from there to exoteric goodness and transcendental reasoning, in the (active) hope that one will glimpse Happiness. This may sound very mysterious and obscure, but believe it or not you have already begun the process by questioning why 'all of a sudden' The World does not revolve around you. It is important, Caprice, to question everything and follow that up with answers (from within and from others in The World) and then begin again by questioning those answers.

As The World said, you may not have wanted to hear this, but it is my way.

Sincerely,
The Universe

Dear Caprice,

I would like to apologize for not previously responding immediately as you would have liked, but of late I have had many affairs to attend to.

I have read the response from The Universe and I agree that reality does not allow for excessive hand-holding. I also appreciate his/her comment on my generosity and I believe you should take that to heart. Much of the rest of her/his response (I believe) borders on hibbety-jibbety, but nonetheless ...

Whether you look for answers from within (as The Universe suggested) or from those who have passed or are passing through me, I would recommend study and empirical analysis. There is much to learn and (regardless of your age) you are just beginning. It will be tough at times but you will learn much from the unavoidable pain and adversity found in your path. And now I must send you on your way. I am sorry I can no longer hold your hand as much as you would like. Good Luck Caprice.

Sincerely,
The World

Dear World (and Universe),

I have discussed this matter at length with my sister, Constance, and though I don't like it, I can see it is your way; and I guess I don't have a lot of say; for now. Thank you for your efforts.

Sincerely,
Caprice Warren

"What 'should' we be worried about?" This is the Annual Question for 2013 on edge.org. Since I have read the question, I have been worried about the question. And then as I have read multiple responses to the question, I have been worried about multiple issues. It is clear that we have many viable candidates for worry, but to say we should worry about 'everything' would (while potentially true) be counterproductive.

So ... I would like to approach the question by defining 'worry' in two different ways - from an individual perspective, and from a group perspective.

From an individual perspective I would define 'worry' as (simply) concern, because I believe it also to be counterproductive (on an individual basis) to truly worry. Then I would respond (to the question) that we (as individuals) 'should' be worried about 'the moment'.

I have said it numerous times (most recently last week) that having learned from the past, one should live in the moment, for the future. The moment is all we have because it is here - now ... and now it is gone ... but now we have a new moment ... And on ... And on ... And on ... If we choose the BEST action or behavior for any given moment that reflects personal, deeply-felt values translated into goals, we are showing care and concern (worry) for the moment. I believe these moment-to-moment goals should be smaller, incremental goals that contribute to exoteric goodness and/or inner peace thereby leading us closer to Truth, Wisdom, and ultimately Happiness. But from there it is up to the individual to identify personal goals that will lead one towards Happiness.

To elaborate: In the everyday lower-case sense of happiness (i.e. cheerfulness or satisfaction) I would not describe myself as a happy person, though I do prescribe to the notion of social happathy as defined in that previous post. In the more esoteric upper-case sense of Happiness (i.e. searching for Truth and Wisdom) I agree with Aristotle who maintained that Happiness cannot be judged until one's Life is over. In either case (upper or lower), 'the moment' is all we have in which to advance an agenda. And to advance an agenda, one must first have an agenda. And once that vision is in place, one must know to adapt that agenda in any given moment, based on what happened in the previous moment; (learning from the past, for the future). And, I will say again, that I believe the agenda/vision must involve one's search for Truth, Wisdom, and Happiness via exoteric goodness and inner peace.

From a group perspective, I would define 'worry' as a cause of uneasiness or anxiety for the future. I believe worry in this sense will help us (whatever the group may be) to identify problems and focus on resolution. I strongly believe that before we can tackle group/cultural/national/global worries a majority of the group's individuals must first master 'the moment'; and (at least from my experience) I don't believe we are there. With this in mind, my response (to the question) from a larger group perspective is - we 'should' be worried about our sociocultural sense of entitlement and the resulting lack of compassion.

Yes, I am talking about narcissism, but on a deeper level I am talking about that self-righteous sense of entitlement that is encouraged and perpetuated by mass media, bureaucracy, large government, organizational politics, and organized dogmatism. And yes, many of these already-disfigured social or cultural evils recklessly overlap, and become even more mangled by crashing into and bleeding all over each other and many innocent bystanders.

And to resolve this worry? - I believe we must start with education by helping young people to learn 'how' to think instead of teaching them 'what' to think. It is a daunting task that may take multiple generations to accomplish and will require a drastic shift in perspective from 'the importance of me' to 'independent questioning (of everything) using reason and logic'. But once we reach that point, imagine the possibilities.

There are some cultures that have begun this process, and that alone (not only from a sense of nationalism) is a potential worry as pointed out by other responses to this question. Comparatively, I am an uneducated blogger and I have no clue as to how one qualifies for submission to edge.org, nor do I know if there is room for a layman's perspective on what we 'should' be worried about. But I do strongly believe that as a whole we cannot resolve many of the worries of the world without first laying a strong foundation based on the thoughts presented above.

I am likely to remain a lonely voice in the wilderness, but looking around I find an increasing number of lonely voices also calling for simplified reason and logic. I am encouraged.

It is what it is - for the moment. This week I reviewed the post Time and Happiness because I needed the reminder. The past and the future are muddy and confused, and I am having difficulty focusing on the present. It's right in front of me, but of late the present moment has been a blur because of the whiplash-inducing motion of my simultaneous fixation on the past and future.

It appears that my sense of justice and my indignation will not change the world. I cannot sway indifference, right wrongs, rescue fair maidens, or punish evildoers. I am not a superhero.

But here is what I can do: I can live by guiding principles of my choosing. I can live with compassion and empathy for others. Having learned from the past, I can live in the moment, for the future. I can live without making excuses. And I can live with the knowledge that my humanity will interfere with the nobility of the thoughts above.

Humanity (singular or plural) is an enigma. John Donne said, "no man is an island." Orson Welles said, "we're born alone, we live alone, we die alone." Is there more Truth and Wisdom to be found in isolation? Or will we move closer to Happiness by contributing toward societal or group goals? Many (perhaps most) would respond that an appropriate combination of the two would be advantageous; but if only one path could be chosen, which would be the more enlightening?

40,000 years of history show us that those societies smaller in size and/or more geographically isolated tend to progress at a much slower rate, or not at all; (Australia and New Guinea are examples). But that is in terms of advancement from stone to metal to industrial to technology and from hunter-gatherer to agriculture/food production to manufacturing to service workers to present-day knowledge workers. So thus far most of this advancement has been empirical in nature. From a transcendental perspective one might argue that empirical advancement allows more minutes in a day for spiritual consideration, yet is the God of 40,000 years ago really that much different from the God of today? Considering that much of spirituality should come from within and is a result of one's search for meaning and purpose (Truth and Wisdom), and from one's fear of death, I don't believe personal spirituality has made great strides towards a consensus on the God/Life After Death question. It should also be noted that those seeking an empirical answer are no closer to a God Truth either. If anything, empirical advancement has made evident the necessity of transcendental questioning.

I don't believe it should be as simple as "no man is an island" for empirical considerations and "we live alone, we die alone" for transcendental considerations. Look at what large populations in proximity to other large populations have accomplished compared to isolated bands, tribes, or even small countries with smaller populations. Yet spiritually we have chosen to isolate ourselves in small bands, on separate islands, whose flora and fauna represent varying faiths, beliefs, and superstitions. Perhaps we need a Great Flood to bring us together; or a Great Drought to dry up the land and the seas, and show us we are not that far apart.

The point is that as individuals (singular) and as a whole (plural) we must find ways to transcend our humanity in order to close the gap on Truth, Wisdom, and ultimately Happiness.

I believe we must start with the singular. I believe that our transcendental thoughts and energies must be infused with a healthy dose of reason and logic. I believe rational thinking can be learned and must be taught (through examples of history's great thinkers) beginning at a very early age. I believe everyone should (respectfully) question everything. I believe that once a majority of the individuals (in this age of knowledge) understand and utilize reason over emotion we are more likely to advance spirituality as we have advanced tangible, worldly, empirical concerns.

Synergy and interdependence are underrated. The whole IS greater than the sum of its parts. But to experience the manifestation of this phenomenon we must first become a whole (plural), and to do that we must begin with the singular. I believe when it comes to transcendental progress the thought of this synergistic power may intimidate some and incite current 'powers that be' to fight this suggested uprising of reason and logic.

I know where I need to start: 'I can live by guiding principles of my choosing. I can live with compassion and empathy for others. Having learned from the past, I can live in the moment, for the future. I can live without making excuses. I can live with the knowledge that my humanity will interfere with the nobility of the thoughts above.' And I can live each day making a concerted effort to transcend my humanity.

"For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee."