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Justin Lyman

Happiness Theme Writing Assignment

A stoic philosopher, an LDS Bishop, and an Epicurean walk into a bar. They are there to discuss

how each should live their lives in order to achieve their respective versions of happiness. The

stoic begins to tell the Epicurean of his ideas and opinions. He begins by stating his most basic

beliefs.

S: We must realize that we cannot control everything and that we must accept our certain--and

unavoidable--fates. Even if someone was on his/her deathbed with no hope for recovery on the

horizon, they could still be happy. The way to happiness is seeking virtue. If you dedicate your life

to studying the stoic ethics, physics, and logic, you will be sure to find this happiness.

E: Can one obtain this virtue of happiness without helping others along the way?

At this point, the LDS Bishop chimed in.

B: I believe it’s thoroughly impossible to achieve happiness without helping others as well.

S: What constitutes happiness for you, bishop?

B: I believe happiness will come through following the laws and commandments that God has

revealed to us. On this earth, we receive many trials and tests. We can find happiness within

families and be assured that as we follow God and the example of his son Jesus Christ--contained

in the Bible and the Book of Mormon--we will one day find eternal happiness, living with our
Justin Lyman
Happiness Theme Writing Assignment

families and God. The Epicurean will define happiness through certain pleasures. There is merit to

that philosophy, believe me. Nevertheless, I do not believe that all immediate pleasures will

produce long term happiness. It may feel good to drink alcohol in the moment, but the lasting

consequences (although not yet seen) will inevitably be manifest.

E: So is it wrong to seek pleasure? The route to happiness you describe seems almost painful and

withheld from pleasure. I personally believe that happiness and a purposeful life is found through

pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain.

B: One may find pleasure in revenge and killing the man who murdered his entire family. Is that a

worthy endeavor in the pursuit of happiness?

E: I must clarify what I said. Though pleasures should be sought after and pains avoided, it is

important to make these decisions based on what will produce the greatest pleasure over time.

Murder, especially a case of revenge, may produce short term satisfaction, but the mental (and

possibly physical) pain which inevitably follow are not sufficient to produce lasting pleasure.

B: I concur with that and honestly just find such acts evil and offensive to God.

S: Yes, it is evil, but I don’t think this needs to be so focused on “God.” Evil and unhappiness are

simply the results of mankind’s ignorance.


Justin Lyman
Happiness Theme Writing Assignment

E: How will this evil and unhappiness then be reconciled?

S: The solution is simple. If someone is constantly unhappy or burdened down by their own evil,

they must examine their judgements and behaviors and determine where they have diverged from

the universal reason of nature.

B: Could it be possible that this universal reason of nature be controlled by a God?

E: Though there are Gods, they have no concern for mankind. They don’t even know that we

exist. So when speaking of gaining happiness from your “God,” I really believe one can find

happiness without confiding in the divine. The happiness and tranquility that the Gods enjoy

would soon be gone if they interfered with our trivial lives. Every man is born with the ability to

work out their own lives, seek pleasure, and avoid pain. It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for

that which he has the power to obtain by himself.

S: You’re all looking at this wrong. Happiness won’t be found by seeking pleasure or avoiding

pain. Rather, a purposeful life will be achieved through using our minds to understand the world

around us and to do our part in nature's plan, and by working together and treating others in a fair

and just manner.

B: I agree with most of what you’ve said, but to me, nature’s plan is God’s plan. God wants us to

work together towards salvation and treat each other justly.


Justin Lyman
Happiness Theme Writing Assignment

The LDS Bishop soon left after he saw the Elder’s Quorum President of his ward walk in. The

stoic and the Epicurean laughed and went their separate ways to continue discovering the purpose

of life.

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