The Pursuit of Happiness

In this week's Megillot class, we discussed the different measures Shlomo took to find the key to the meaning of life. Shlomo embarked on a journey, encountering three different lifestyles that he found utterly useless (Hakol Hevel). Shlomo began his expedition with the desire to understand the world in its entirety. He remarks that this is a bad aspiration to pursue. Through this, Shlomo recognizes his limitations; he can't understand everything.

After Shlomo realized his limitations, he turned to the first world view, Maa'simm, creations. He observed everything in the world and concluded that everything made by man cannot be perfect. All that is broken cannot be fixed, rendering everything man-made, flawed. The second perspective he took was the view of Chochmah, wisdom. Shlomo stated that he had acquired wisdom, and through that, had seen that the more wisdom/knowledge acquired, the more angrier you become/the more pain and suffering you will possess. Shlomo concluded that knowledge is vast but limited. There is pain and suffering, but you cannot do anything about it. So it is Hevel! The third outlook Shlomo took was that of Simcha, partying/pleasure. Shlomo realized that at the end of the day-what was left? Folly does not leave a lasting impression.

Shlomo later discusses why everything is Hevel. The toil of man is useless because it is unknown who will inherit it. Toil causes pain and sleepless nights, and as a result, prevents any enjoyment from life. Wisdom is futile because everyone dies and there is no lasting impression.

I would like to focus on the "Simcha" aspect Shlomo spoke of. Shlomo emphasized the vanity of foolhardiness; it does not last. When one wakes up, it is no longer there. However, how we achieve happiness is so much different than the materialistic perspective Shlomo had-acquiring wealth, power, wives, etc.

A little connection to AP Psychology: In this week's AP Psychology class, we discussed the effect of drugs on the nervous systems. These drugs produce a temporary "high," and become addictive, as the feeling becomes more and more desired. However, as soon as the effect wears off, what is left?

This is why we have to pursue Simcha, happiness, in a different manner to find meaning in life. Instead of looking at what we do not have, we need to take a moment to realize the true extent of what we do have. Oftentimes, what we own overshadowed by the newest technological advancement that comes along, or other materialistic objects. We immediately pounce on it, and often take what we own for granted. Materialism clouds the fundamental components of happiness: family, friendships, love, and a strong relationship with Hashem. Shlomo pursued materialism, and he did not achieve happiness. Happiness means being content with what you have, not always searching for something you will never have.