Letters: Feb. 7, 2005

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The Science of Happiness

Thank you for the tips and techniques for finding happiness and peace of mind [Jan. 17]. In particular, "Eight Steps Toward a More Satisfying Life" was just what I needed to read. I believe in making my life a more satisfying one, and I am learning to forgive those who have hurt me. Forgiveness works. It is therapy that lets us be pals again.

ANNA VICTORIA REICH

Albuquerque, N.M.

While reading your report on happiness, I felt a touch of sorrow that science seems to be nosing its way into every aspect of humanity. Can't we go back to the days when people lived passionately without wondering what chemicals in the brain made them happy? Since when has happiness been a technical thing?

JANET MA

Rochester, Mich.

I was tired of hearing a daily litany of complaints when I drove my daughter home from middle school, so I imposed a rule: she and her friends could recount their entire bad day without comment from me but only after I had heard three good things that had happened to each of them. Some days the best I heard was, "Well, lunch didn't suck." But I can attest to the long-term effects. For the next three years, our ride home was far more pleasant. And when my now 21-year-old daughter calls to talk about things going wrong, she always brightens her mood by relating something good. Happiness is a habit best learned early.

KAREN REDDICK YURKA

Manzanita, Ore.

Happiness is not a product of achievement or wealth or fame. It is the reaction of our mind to the environment. Faith in God and the values of religion are a source of well-being. Happiness comes from caring for others and giving whatever we can--help, hope, love, respect, sympathy or just a smile.

MANSOOR MALIK

South Hadley, Mass.

Among the quips from celebrities about what makes them happy, I was struck by what conservative gadfly Ann Coulter said: "Liberals weeping, crying and threatening to move to Canada." Many a truth is spoken in jest. That is not the statement of someone who loves America as a free, diverse melting pot; those are the words of someone who cares only about people who totally agree with her. Coulter wants to see the rest of the population miserable or, better yet, gone from the U.S.

RUSSELL LOSCO

West Grove, Pa.

People will never be happy so long as their greed exceeds their needs and they don't comprehend the meaning of the word enough.

HART SPRAGER

Portland, Ore.

Happiness is the feeling you enjoy between periods of unhappiness. When you experience it, remember to say thank you and relish it while it lasts.

ARTHUR T. HIMMELMAN

Minneapolis, Minn.

Too Few Good Men