“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” -Aristotle

Such a short and simple phrase, yet full of so much truth. The world is full of so much negativity, or of things that promise happiness but never deliver. We are taught that happiness is almost an object; something tangible that we are working to reach. It is difficult to find that happiness if you look at through this lens. Happiness isn’t an object, it is not something you can obtain only when you complete a list of certain requirements, it is a state of mind. Happiness is a choice. However, George Washington also said that “happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” If we choose to live unvirtuous lives, that state of mind may become a little harder to reach as the little voice in your head tells you what you are doing is wrong. We cannot be happy if we choose to seek for that joy by seeking wickedness. On the other hand, if you live according to your moral duty, knowing what you are doing is right, you don’t need money, fame, or other worldly objects to try to satisfy your desire for happiness because the most sincere joy comes from doing what you know to be right. What a beautiful truth that is. The world will continue to lure you into believing the happiness you long for can only be found by going against your moral values when in reality that will only bring you misery. But I promise you, the misery can be avoided, and that joy that you are yearning for achieved. This of course does not mean that life will be perfect and that trial won’t arise, but you will be able to make it through, still smiling, and still knowing what is right. I can assure you that as you follow your moral duties, and as you seek truth and virtue, you will find happiness.

Yours truly,

Publius