Now comes the decision of what is the highest pleasure. Utilitarian’s, and thereby Mill, believe that the placement of superiority goes to intellectual pleasures. While some may most certainly agree that there are some physical pleasures that surpass those of intellectuality, Mill and other utilitarian’s place “mental over bodily pleasures” mainly because it is more likely to stay in place longer, probably safer, might not be as expensive, and just has more advantages than a physical pleasure would have. The way Mill seems to distinguish the differences between higher and lower pleasures is based on the experiences of someone who has experienced both. If one was to experience both an intellectual and a physical pleasure (not necessarily at the same time) eventually they are going to have a preference of one over the other.
People who are scientifically oriented will be more likely to fit into this category, as opposed to those who are highly imaginative or creative. The permissive technique employs a softer tone of voice to lull the subject into relaxation. In contrast to the authoritarian technique, the hypnotist and the subject are equal partners in the process. More imagery is used to enhance suggestions, and greater responsibility is given to the subject. The subjects who are most responsive to this technique are ones who are more imaginative and creative.
When people believe fulfillment is possible, they tend to gain the strength, incentive, and willingness to work for what they want. Hope can be a powerful source of happiness and success in times of stress and uncertainty. However, if a person “hopes” constantly in situations where contentment is impossible and based on unrealistic outcomes, time and time again the person will be disappointed. This is what we call “false hope”. So even though hope can bring encouragement, it can also cause distress.
Those who live in the aesthetical stage are said to be a slave to their senses, satisfying urges and impulses as the body feels them. They possess qualities of immediacy and indulgence-living only for the moment and doing as they please. They are motivated by their desires and emotions. What they consider ‘good’ is that which gives them pleasure not that which is universally understood as
They travel as far as they can and reach their potential which can give them an internal reward that helps them personally. There are many cases of people who venture further than advised and the reason is to exceed the limits that restrict them from reaching their goals of finding outer and especially inner strength. Being in an isolated environment with harsh terrains might actually give people a thrill. It brings excitement, a sense of euphoria if they’re able to conquer the challenges that come face to face with them.
Attractive people are able to have many advantages and positive outcomes, such as having more popularity, greater confidence, more dating opportunities, more promotional chances, and higher salaries. It has been found that males prefer attractiveness to personality when when pursuing relationships on all levels from friendship to romantic relationships. Most research finds that males prefer attractiveness while females prefer personality. The independent variables here are, appearance, and personality. The dependent variable is the pursuance of the relationship.
Yet, we're most certainly not all like this- calm and collect, so why is that? Well, it's each individual's take on life; their perception, actions, thoughts, etc., that influences the position of a set-point. Think of it metaphorically; you’re set-point is your bicep, the more you work out, the stronger you are. So the more effort you put into yourself, the happier you'll be. But what exactly can you do to increase your happiness?
E.g. if someone says you are “a good laugh” you will see yourself as good fun. Our ideal self is the idea that we develop of who we would like to be e.g. being more organised, more helpful etc… This means that our self esteem is the difference between our self concept and our ideal self. The smaller the gap between these two concepts, the higher a person’s self esteem.
Pursuit of Happiness Although there may be similarities, each and every person, due to variables, has a different opinion of the pursuit of happiness. Take a look around and you will see people who value their ability to improve their strength, physic, mind, and possibly other areas. We have names for some of the obvious pursuits like beach body, brain, and rambler, which are just a few. Whatever it is that you want to do that fulfills you, makes you feel whole, satisfies, or makes you happy, is your pursuit if you follow it. Even as there are differences between each person, as for their pursuit of happiness, there are also differences predominantly set by society.
Happiness is emotions we try to find by doing things that make us feel good. Happiness for you may not be what happiness is for me. For you, it may be feelings of passion, achievement, excitement, inspiration, and freedom. For me, it may be feelings of peace, satisfaction, comfort, grace, and serenity. Since happiness is doing things that make us feel good, judgment and perception play a big part in it.