“The Four Secrets to Happiness” is a short story of the two reward systems responsible for our happiness as based from a psychological standpoint. The author, Jane McGonigal, effectively discusses the intrinsic reward system and the theory of the four categories that result in long-term happiness. Additionally, she discusses the findings of extrinsic rewards having a negative impact and how we are programmed by society to follow the American Dream, which in fact is composed of extrinsic rewards. However, the author’s background as a gamer, designer, and researcher leads to an unexpected ending that does not support the intrinsic reward system in this reader’s opinion. Intrinsic rewards are generated when we set out to create our own happiness. These are created by the sheer effort of engaging in life. Hard work is what makes it more rewarding, therefore creating a sustainable level of happiness. The author describes this as “the positive emotions, personal strengths, and social connections that we build by engaging intensely with the world around us” (368). The four intrinsic rewards include the following: satisfying work, being successful, social connection, and a deeper meaning to our existence. McGonigal speaks of these as “the foundation for optimal human experience” (371). Other than our basic human survival needs, these rewards drive us and create a lasting, positive influence. The first intrinsic reward is the act of doing satisfying work. It is human nature to need to see results from our work and to see we have a direct impact for our efforts. If this is not an innate human need then why are we not fulfilled with the monotonous tasks that are required of us on a daily basis. Individuals long for more, moreover, to be d... ... middle of paper ... ...ing happiness (369). Lastly, McGonigal speaks of gaming as an intrinsic reward. She describes it as, “a productive pastime; experiencing the four things we crave the most, thus producing a higher quality of life” (372). This can be a controversial topic between gamers and non-gamers. There are gamers that use it as an escape from reality. Through gaming, virtual material rewards are received. Praise is gained from fellow gamers and if a gamer excels, a status is obtained. This is more supportive of the extrinsic reward system in this reader’s opinion. Happiness is ultimately a choice for each individual. Many things bring happiness; whether short-term, or long-term. The concept of intrinsic rewards in this readers experience has resulted in a more fulfilling existence. But, it is human nature to want immediate results without much effort. The choice is ours.
As shown in Alfie Kohn’s How not to get into college; the preoccupation with preparation, and in Heron Jones’s Somnambulist, society is pursuing extrinsic motivators and extrinsic happiness, although many feel as though extrinsic motivators are important and essential to be happy, intrinsic motivators are what will truly make one happy for a prolonged period of time. In society’s pursuit of extrinsic rewards, society is losing sight of intrinsic happiness and thus, feeling unfulfilled and lacking intrinsic
In our society human beings play many different roles in life. There are so many different people and each person has their own personality. When a baby born, the baby doesn’t know anything, and slowly he started to learn and family, parents, culture, society, institutions are huge resources behind his development of being himself. The article by Ryan and Deci (2000)… discussed about self-determination theory, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Self-determination theory represents a broad framework for human motivation and personality. Intrinsic motivation refers to engage in a behavior that gives internal rewards. Extrinsic behavior is driven by external rewards. In this paper I am going to discuss some of my personal experiences and real
Ashley Janowiak Human Happiness and External goods Happiness is a goal every human pursues, yet the ways in which it is pursued differs amongst people. Some believe prosperity will bring them happiness. Others believe material, power, fame, success, or love will bring them happiness. No matter what one believes is the right way to conquer this goal, every person will take their own unique path in an attempt to find it. But what is happiness like?
Through a series of assessment tools, she reveals the types of activities that we can commit to doing on a daily basis which will improve our level of happiness. She reinforces the numerous benefits of being happier. Happier people are more sociable and energetic, more charitable and cooperative, and better liked by others. Being happy boosts their immune systems, improves productivity, and can lead to a longer life. It allows them to be more creative and...
Once stated by Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” The aforementioned ideology places an emphasis on an individual’s internal desires, rather than an outside/external force driving the individual’s consciousness (cognitive evaluation.) Therefore intrinsic motivation is one in which an individual 's own desire comes from within; a relentless and genuine passion for an intended goal. On the contrary, when an individual relies on external factors such as, a reward or any other form of external reinforcement, an extrinsic motivation is exhibited. Although society likes to stress the importance in pursuing an internal motivation, in today 's modern world, an extrinsic factor far outweighs an internal desire to accomplish an objective. As humans, we are too diverse in the way we think and develop, lending the mere classification of an internal motivation to become redundant. Furthermore, as
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum
Ricards, Matthieu. "The habits of happiness." Ted Talks. Ted. Ted Talks, Monterey. 24 Feb. 2004. Lecture.
Weijers, Daniel Michael. Hedonism and Happiness in Theory and Practice: A Thesis Submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy [in Philosophy]. New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington, 2012. Print.
Early Modern Europe experienced several tragedies in which the citizens sensed that there must be a better way to live where happiness was more familiar. Alterations for what truly defines absolute happiness in a society during these times of catastrophe were expressed through utopian literature. Thomas More’s Utopia, Tomasso Campanella’s City of the Sun, and Caron De Beaumarchais’ The Marriage of Figaro together attempt to answer what truly creates a happy civilization during different periods of crisis within Europe. Each of these utopian literature’s suggest a different origin that happiness derives from, soundly signifying that change in Europe would be beneficial. The revolutionary ideas of change in Europe proposed by Utopia, City of the Sun, and The Marriage of Figaro through their individual utopias, demonstrated their beliefs that such change of social classes, the expression of pleasures morally, and a more unified government would lead to a happier, less corrupt society.
As a child growing up, parents would teach their kids that realizing certain milestones in life, such as, getting A’s in school, getting accepted into an Ivy League college, having a respected career, having a trusted income, living in a two story home, marrying the love of your life, having well-rounded kids, pretty much living the American dream with the perfect family, will make us happy. The honest truth is that even obtaining all of these things listed above has nothing to do with happiness. The Oxford English Dictionary defined the word happiness as “the quality or condition of being happy;” it sounds fairly easy to define, but happiness isn’t just “being happy”. If the word was that easily interpreted, than many people wouldn’t misuse it in different contexts or scenarios. Happiness is different from happy moments. Even though the word happiness is debatable, at the end of the day, it is what everyone is trying to attain.
According to Buddha, “Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.” To be happy, one must know what happiness is and then find aspects that make them feel that way. Happiness is not a brief sense of positive feelings, but a lasting sense of contentedness that can be achieved by keeping close relationships and engaging in habits that seem contradictory at first to happiness.
Happiness is how something is viewed as opposed to a physical thing. However, happiness is not only a perspective but also a choice. Success and happiness are frequently linked to contentment but happiness should not be dependent on success. In spite of not succeeding in my chosen sport of horse riding the enjoyment it provided for me far outweighed any d...
The experience of game play can be described as an activity in which the player is virtually embodied in the game world. Anyone who has experienced the world of gaming knows how the engaging experience can manifest itself with “sweaty palms and chills down the spine” (http://www.eludamos.org/index.php/eludamos/article/viewArticle/80/147) when coming face-to-face with alien creatures; or with the adrenaline rush we get when racing a high speed automobile head-to-head with a friend. Gaming is an excellent source of entertainment. It provides an opportunity for social growth, provides a meaningful form of exploring expression, and provides heightened sensitivity.
everyone at a time or two, sometimes even more. Because of this our world is suffering
Suppose one was to record their pleasures down on paper using a graph. At first, one might be confused as to how to go about quantifying their happiness. After consideration of the quality of ones varying pleasures though, one is more able to deduce whether it is a higher or a lower pleasure and graph them. This enables one to distinguish which things promote the greatest pleasure, which translates itself to strive for happiness. For example, consider the attainment of food or sex in contrast to mental and spiritual growth. When one is only interested in satiating their appetite for food or sex, the pleasure acquired is minuscule when compared to the acquisition of mental and spiritual growth. Thus, attaining mental and spiritual growth will bring o...