The quote from Emily Dickinson, “Fortune favours the brave,” invites us to explore the intricate relationship between courage and happiness.
What is Happiness?
This question is one I find myself asking repeatedly, especially during the reflective period between the years. Is happiness built on monetary foundations, such as status symbols, or does it rely more on softer factors like acceptance, appreciation, recognition, and respect? The topic of happiness has long been a subject of discussion.
Lao Tzu (6th century BCE) suggested that happiness arises when we stop seeking it and cease pursuing other goals—asserting that absolute inactivity is the essence of happiness. In contrast, philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle (5th/4th century BCE) believed that true virtue—such as humility, justice, and honesty—leads to happiness. To achieve eudaemonia (flourishing), all actions should be aligned with virtuous principles. Epicurus (4th century BCE) viewed happiness as the experience of pleasure and the absence of pain; however, this perspective is often criticized as egocentric and reckless, known as hedonism.
Positive Psychology
Modern positive psychology posits that our thoughts and the way we evaluate and interpret situations contribute significantly to our happiness. One of the most well-known frameworks is Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, which stands for:
-
Positive Emotions
-
Engagement
-
Relationships
-
Meaning
-
Accomplishment/Achievement
Interestingly, money only contributes to happiness when one is truly poor. Once basic needs are met, the feeling of happiness tends to plateau. A simple touch can activate the happiness centre in our brains; a banknote cannot do that. Researchers have found that married individuals are generally happier than those who are single, while activities like sports and partner dancing significantly boost happiness. Additionally, love is often associated with the highest levels of joy. Notably, the happiest people live in countries like Denmark, followed closely by Switzerland and Iceland, likely due to their long-standing democratic traditions and the extent to which citizens can participate in governance. In Bhutan, the focus is on increasing gross national happiness rather than gross domestic product.
Research also shows that more optimistic and, consequently, happier individuals exhibit a more active left frontal cortex compared to their less happy counterparts.
The Link Between Courage and Happiness
Why does Emily Dickinson assert that “Fortune favours the brave”? Is happiness not more about our mindset and how we perceive and experience life?
The relationship between happiness and courage is indeed complex. Courage can drive us to seek new experiences, take risks, and confront challenges—leading to personal growth and deeper feelings of happiness. When we achieve something through bravery, we often experience positive emotions and a sense of engagement or meaning in our actions. Bold decisions—whether in our careers, relationships, or personal development—often pave the way for meaningful experiences and connections that enhance our happiness.
Ultimately, happiness is a complex interplay of internal attitudes, ethical beliefs, and social relationships.
While courage certainly plays a role, it is also heavily influenced by our perceptions and how we choose to navigate life. It is a personal journey that each individual must shape for themselves.
