The Pursuit of Happiness by Kathleen Kennedy, Essay Example

For many years, money has become one of the most important elements that humans considered to be the source of real happiness. Although there are philosophies going around about money being the root of all evil, it could not be denied that humans intend to depend their happiness on owning several properties, attaining particular achievements that insist on giving them the chance to acquire great wealth from the society that they are living in. This is the reason why when it comes to determining the ‘good life’ that nations could offer their residents with, reports often relate to the GDP record of a particular nation. Kathleen Kennedy’s The Pursuit of Happiness presents a distinct picture of how such occurrence of measuring happiness with money is very much rampant within the modern society today.

Nonetheless, Kennedy does not fail to recognize the fact that amidst the constancy of viewing happiness to be based on possessions and wealth. She mentions how priceless things often become the source of unwavering happiness; a feeling that lasts for a long time rather than just a temporary relief from supposed sadness and frustration. Seeing how one lives a much better life compared to those who have less or to those who are lacking [of something] makes a person appreciate what he has in life, thus making it easier for him to be thankful and happy about his status in life. Notably, being contented with what one needs and being able to share such property with others who are in dire need of such assistance brings about the real value of happiness that one could actually hold on to. Apart from the common notion, while a person might be happy that he has every material thing that he wants, his happiness would be short-lived as it is based on tangible possessions. Real happiness comes from things unseen and untouched; real happiness comes from the capacity of one to think positively towards life, amidst all the struggles that may come along the way.