All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does... | UPSC 2014 GS4 Q1(a)

QUESTION 1(a)

GS4

10 marks

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.

WRITE IN

7 min

150 words

What the examiner wants

State whether all humans seek happiness and give your own meaning of happiness with examples.

Do you agree; ExplainAnswer exactly what the question asks.

1Agree with nuance: everyone seeks well-being, but its meaning differs (pleasure, contentment, meaning); some choose sacrifice over comfort (soldiers, activists), which is happiness of a deeper kind≈30 words
2Kinds: hedonic (pleasure) vs eudaimonic (flourishing, virtue); Indian view of ananda and santosh≈30 words
3Personal meaning: contentment from purpose, relationships, service and integrity, not only consumption; illustrate with own experience≈30 words
4Public link: governance aimed at citizen well-being (GNH, Delhi happiness curriculum)≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Agree with qualificationTypes of happinessPersonal meaning with examplePublic dimensionConclusion

Giving only textbook definitions with no personal meaning, which the question asks for
Equating happiness with material success

ThinkerAristotle: eudaimonia, the highest good, is activity of the soul in accordance with virtue (Nicomachean Ethics).Aristotle
ExampleBhutan's Gross National Happiness idea (1970s) and Delhi government's Happiness Curriculum (2018) in schools.Bhutan; Delhi Government, 2018

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