'How to Be Happy' has been a topic of great concern since 2000. According to this trend, books about happiness have been continuously ranked at the bestseller. Can we really learn happiness from the books? What do you think about it? Let's grasp this social phenomenon. 

What makes people pursue happiness? 
    In pre-industrial Korea, People wanted to overcome the state of dire poverty. They suffered from such problems as food, clothing, and shelter. Following an economic growth, People didn't have to worry about basic necessities anymore. However, illness of the mind emerged as a new problem. Especially after IMF crisis, the gap between the rich and the poor has continuously. As the lives of the rich was shown through the mass media, the poor began to compare themselves with others. That is, relative poverty made them think that they are not happy now. Limitless competition and individualism in modern society resulted in unhappiness. That's why people began to seek a happier life. 

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How about Chungdaites? CP conducted a survey to find out whether undergraduates are happy.

Learning happiness from Books 
    Ben-Shahar, Prof. of Harvard University, teaches "Positive Psychology" which is one of the most popular courses at Harvard University. He thinks that the concept of happiness isn't as elusive as people think, and it can actually be learned. His 'Happier' Is a big hit, providing the way of making our lives happy. For example, he gives six tips for a happier life in his book.

    1. Give yourself permission to be human. 2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. 3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the balance of our bank accounts. 4. Simplify! 5. Remember the mind-body connection. 6. Express gratitude, whenever possible. 

    There are many books telling us about conditions for happy life. But most people do not understand happiness in reality is different from fantasy. 

Be happy by doing this
<Interview on the street>

- Enjoy doing various activities. The increase of the Cultural Centers plays a huge role in our society because there are many courses to take which lead to improve the quality of life.

- Be healthy. Being happy is followed by being healthy. People have begun to pursue for the well-being life style since 2000. Organic foods have become very popular, replacing a breakfast. 'Saeng Sik' also has become popular because people eat it instead of a breakfast. Yoga has emerged as a new trend among women.

Some tips for happy life in the true sense
    Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of thc USA, once said "most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Ultimately, it is marrer of our attitude that makes us feel happy or unhappy. We need to have a positive mindset. CP hopes that Chungdaites find the secrets of happiness.

By  Park Kang-bum , Senior
Dept. Of English Language & Literature