Happiness and the Future of Mankind

The world is changing. For the better, one might say. Technology is making the world smaller and life easier. The internet gives a person unparalleled power. New cures for ancient diseases are arriving every day. People are happier or are they?

Although the technical, physical side of life is has improved, the mental side has not. Enjoyment seems to be on the downhill. With all of the new developments and improvements comes more stress than ever. Life is simply becoming more stressful. One must ask: "What is the point of living in a high speed, technological super world, if you can't keep up?" These days people are stuck in their busy lives like in cages. It's always about "gotta make that meeting at nine..." or "If this merger doesn't go through, I'm out of a job" or "I hope they can fix my internet connection so I can get my emails". Unfortunately, this simply builds up stress.

It seems that everyone has been entered into a contest to see who can be more successful, or who can make the most money. Here is the real contest: "who can have the first heart attack?" People push themselves too hard and are only causing damage to themselves. This affects everyone, from the elderly to the children.

Children have it tougher than ever. The struggle to be accepted is at an alltime high. With so much media, music, movies, and magazines flying around, the young ones don't know what to follow. What they need is a parent. Someone to guide them on the ever confusing road that is life. The ones who should be taking care of the children, however, are taking care of their business. What if success is not about money?

Everybody wants to live a long, healthy and happy life. Unfortunately, it's not going to happen for many individuals. The struggle to make life richer is a fulltime project and does not leave room for happiness. Happiness comes in the little things. It's watching a classic movie, flying a kite, going fishing with your dad or taking your dog for a walk. Unfortunately, it won't be long before walking the dog will be a machine's job. Or before the dog IS a machine. The "Segway" is a brand new device that will probably eliminate walking. It has two wheels, handle bars, and a lot of energy. It goes anywhere. Why would anyone walk anymore? Laziness is a factor that contributes to this change.

The rapid growth of the internet contributes to the same laziness factor. It's easier than ever for people to sit at home, shop, find information, listen to music, meet people, even have sexual stimulation with people and not get out of the same chair. Is this what happiness will be like? Yes and No. A person will no longer really be happy. We are making our dull aspirations a reality, and there is no stopping them. Concrete, metal, and electric impulses seem to be the future.