Happiness - Atlas Shrugged - 1

I read the 'Atlas Shrugged' last month. Did not like the book too much - but was amused at the plot . It must take a Ayn Rand to think like that :)( I would not like to divulge more in the interest of those who have not yet read the book ). I infact ended up comparing it to Fountainhead and realized that there couldn't have been two books that are as dissimilar as 'The Fountainhead' and 'Atlas Shrugged'.

What I love about Ayn Rand style of writing, though, is her take on various aspects of life. Here are her thoughts on 'Happiness' , that she reflects through John Galt's speech in Atlas Shrugged.
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Happiness is not to be achieved at the command of emotional whims. Happiness is not the satisfaction of whatever irrational wishes you might blindly attempt to indulge. Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy—a joy without penalty or guilt, a joy that does not clash with any of your values and does not work for your own destruction, not the joy of escaping from your mind, but of using your mind’s fullest power, not the joy of faking reality, but of achieving values that are real, not the joy of a drunkard, but of a producer. Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals, seeks nothing but rational values and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions.

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Well Said isnt it . I looked back to see what I would call happiness ...

When you are around 3-4 years of age , Happiness is getting that new toy or getting that hug from your favorite uncle or aunt. When you are in the primary school, Happiness is getting that sum solved right, winning a game of marbles, badminton, rushing to school and reaching school just before the prayer bell rings ! Happiness in your teenage is going on those long cycle rides with your best friend - discovering new places in your territory - that hidden lake, that hidden park, sitting on the porch of your house with your friend and chatting for hours together. Happiness in adulthood is figuring out how to live - happiness is figuring out how to be happy in spite of our circumstances and relishing those moments when you have figured it out ! :)

Happiness are those moments of satisfaction that you get when you have done your job and done it well. Happiness are those moments when you have savored a precious moment with your loved ones and cherished a moment of silent togetherness .

Here's wishing that each one of you live your life fully and happily ! Have a great week ahead !