In today’s world, the quest for happiness seems never-ending. Everyone wants to know the secret formula to a happy life. But what exactly is happiness? Why do some people who seem to have everything still feel unfulfilled? These are some of the deep questions explored by Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., PhD.
Happiness, along with other major life questions, such as the existence of God, suffering, and the afterlife, forms the foundation of a new series from the Magis Center. Hosted by Jenny and Eric, the series dives into these pressing topics and offers insight from leading experts. One of the central focuses of this series is understanding what makes us truly happy and how our definition of happiness impacts our lives.
What is Happiness?
Happiness is not just a feel-good concept; it’s essential to shaping our lives. Aristotle once said, "Happiness is the one thing you can choose for itself; everything else is chosen for the sake of happiness." The idea of happiness drives our decisions, from career choices to friendships, from marriage to our legacy. Whether we feel successful or unsuccessful, worthy or worthless, can often be traced back to our own view of happiness.
While countless philosophers have tackled this subject, Aristotle and Plato began discussing it as early as 400 BC. They believed that happiness is vital to understanding what it means to live a good life. Yet, despite its significance, modern culture often struggles to define it, especially since English has only one word for it. This is where Fr. Spitzer steps in, offering a framework known as the "Four Levels of Happiness," distilled from the work of many great thinkers throughout history.
The Four Levels of Happiness
The Four Levels of Happiness offer a structured approach to understanding the complexity of this concept. Created by Father Robert J. Spitzer, this system breaks happiness into four levels, each providing a different pathway to fulfillment.
- Level One: This is the most basic form of happiness derived from external pleasures. Think of the satisfaction you get from a delicious bowl of ice cream or winning a game. This type of happiness is fleeting and relies on external stimuli.
- Level Two: This level of happiness comes from ego gratification. It’s the pleasure you feel from achieving success, recognition, or power. However, because it’s tied to comparison with others, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and competition.
- Level Three: In stark contrast to level two, level three is happiness that comes from doing good for others. It’s the joy we feel when we contribute positively to society, act selflessly, and help those in need. This type of happiness brings deeper fulfillment as it focuses on improving the world.
- Level Four: The highest level of happiness is about satisfying our ultimate desires. It’s the kind of happiness that comes from connecting with something transcendent, whether through spirituality, love, or a sense of purpose that goes beyond material success.
Why Happiness Matters
Understanding these four levels can dramatically change how we live our lives. If we remain stuck at level one, constantly chasing momentary pleasures, we’ll find ourselves unfulfilled in the long run. Similarly, living in the realm of level two might lead to temporary ego boosts, but it often results in burnout and unhappiness. As Fr. Spitzer emphasizes, true happiness comes from advancing to levels three and four—focusing on others and connecting with something greater than ourselves.
The beauty of this approach is that it helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. For example, dealing with suffering also depends on our understanding of happiness. If we see happiness only in external terms, suffering will always feel like a failure. But if we recognize the more profound meaning that can come from growth through challenges, we can endure hardships with greater resilience.
Answering What It Means to Be Truly Happy
The Four Levels of Happiness roadmap a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Whether seeking personal satisfaction, deeper relationships, or spiritual fulfillment, this framework offers clarity in a world often confused about what it means to be truly happy.
By exploring the wisdom of thinkers like Aristotle, Plato, and Father Spitzer, Happiness the Series promises to shed light on these essential questions, helping us understand happiness and live it. As the program continues, we can expect even deeper dives into related topics like the purpose of life, the existence of a soul, and the evidence for eternal life.
So, which level of happiness are you striving for? Understanding your answer may be the key to unlocking a life of purpose and joy.
If you would like to continue the journey of understanding true and meaningful happiness, here are some tools that may serve as resources:
- Happiness the Series: Based on Aristotle's profound insight, “Happiness is the one thing you can choose for itself," this 7-episode series, led by renowned philosopher Fr. Robert Spitzer, offers a deep dive into understanding true fulfillment. Perfect for high school students and educators, this program explores the Four Levels of Happiness, guiding viewers through life’s big questions like success, purpose, eternal life, and the meaning of suffering.
- All-Access Video Pass: Dive into seven transformative series that explore faith, science, happiness, and life's deeper questions. These professionally produced videos (including Happiness the Series) tackle major topics like the existence of God, the intersection of faith and science, and finding purpose amidst suffering. Perfect for personal growth, parish programs, or group study, each series is designed to enlighten, challenge, and inspire.
- The Four Levels of Happiness—Your Path to Personal Flourishing: Spitzer's Four Levels of Happiness, grounded in philosophy, science, and psychology, reveals how the dominant level of happiness in your life shapes your decisions and overall fulfillment. This book offers practical tools and deep insights, guiding you from short-lived pleasures to lasting joy and purpose. Whether you're religious or skeptical, you'll uncover profound truths about happiness and the transcendent, enriching both your mind and soul.
