Is happiness is a byproduct of a meaningful life? Or is it the other way around in that meaning is a byproduct of a happy life? Before you answer the questions, consider this: is it possible that the two are not even related?
Certainly, everyone covets a meaningful life. Who wouldn’t? On first blush many would claim to be happy if they can attain it. But a deeper dive would reveal a more appropriate feeling of “fulfilled” as in fulfillment is a byproduct of a meaningful life.
You see, happiness is a fleeting state. I am happy after a meal. But in a few hours, I would be hungry and whatever the happiness I felt would be gone. Thus a happy life by extension is just as short lived. Could it possibly be meaningful?
Do you think a happy life can be sustained and meaningful at the same time?
Running with Buddha 