The “Art” Of True Happiness
by Stephen Doherty
June 22nd, 2025
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy,
that inspires true happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon
Perhaps no lesson is harder learned than the true meaning of happiness. Due in large part to the cultural blurring of happiness with pleasure – we are often fooled into believing that happiness is born of external forces and circumstances rather than the organic nurturing of seeds planted in our own hearts and souls. Many of us chase pleasurable experiences—vacations, gourmet meals, likes on social media—believing they are the keys to happiness. But are they the same? Not quite. Understanding the difference between happiness and pleasure can fundamentally change how we pursue fulfillment in life.
Pleasure is fleeting. It’s a short-term feeling, often tied to external stimuli. Think of the rush from eating a slice of cake, receiving a compliment, or buying a new gadget. These moments feel good, but the sensation is temporary. Pleasure is rooted in the body and often triggered by dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical. It’s usually about receiving something we want, satisfying a craving or desire.
There’s nothing wrong with pleasure. In fact, it’s an essential part of the human experience. But when we rely on it as our primary source of joy, we can end up on a “hedonic treadmill”—constantly chasing new highs without ever feeling truly content. What once brought joy now feels normal, and we need more to feel the same thrill. This cycle can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, or even addiction.
Happiness, on the other hand, is deeper and more enduring – grown internally via our hearts and souls. It’s less about stimulation and more about contentment, purpose, and peace of mind. Happiness can come from meaningful relationships, pursuing a goal, being part of something bigger than ourselves, or simply feeling aligned with our values. Unlike pleasure, happiness often involves effort and patience. It’s about how we live and interpret our lives, not just how we feel in a given moment.
For example, raising a child, building a career, or volunteering may not always feel pleasurable—they involve stress, responsibility, and sacrifice—but they often contribute to a sense of lasting fulfillment. That’s happiness: not a momentary buzz, but a steady, grounded sense of well-being.
The distinction also matters in how we respond to life’s ups and downs. If we’re focused only on pleasure, adversity can feel like a failure. But if we’re anchored in the pursuit of happiness, challenges become opportunities for growth. We start to appreciate life’s complexity and find meaning even in difficult times. We need to remind ourselves that the stairway to joy and fulfillment includes bricks crafted from life’s hardest moments. I would argue that these are often the strongest and most resilient parts of that ascending structure
It’s challenging because everywhere we look, we are inundated with images and ads of every conceivable experience or possession – trying to convince us that perhaps our doldrums are somehow tied to the absence of their products and services. A harsh lesson too many of us learn the hard way is that no amount of shopping or glitzy possessions will ever cure depression, promote good mental health, or compel genuine happiness.
In the end, pleasure makes life sweet, but happiness makes it worthwhile. By distinguishing between the two and finding balance, we can live not just for the moment, but with meaning. Purpose drives happiness and life is fun because contentment and satisfaction are born internally – spiritual DNA that is unique to each and every one of us and how we’ve chosen to live our lives.
“A flower blooms for its own joy.” -Oscar Wilde
