Ambiguous Words

What is the purpose of this report?
An attack on the environmentalists, or self-reflection?
Is there any connection between environmentalists and political activities? . . .

Reply to "Ambiguous Words"

Don't over- think things.

This article is purely about reporting research into human behaviour; looking into what actions make people happy, and what else could make them happier. Humanity is a social tribe, some of them, in Jianghu, have, by nature, political desires, and take an interest in the structure of society and lifestyles. Certainly, catering to these desires inevitably brings them great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Actually, it's not about political definitions: People are all different, if they are positive in their attitudes towards life, and diligently pursue what interests them, with hard work, they will naturally feel happy and enriched.

CY

Why Do We Tend Towards Inaction?

We drive our Toyota Vois back and forth from every corner of the city, eat rice for decades, sleep with the same person with less feeling by the day, yet we so rarely change cars quickly, switch food, or partners. This is because people cannot imagine the future, instead merely projecting the present into the future, and making judgements on that basis. Therefore, when we do take action, the results are negative and tedious more often than not. That's all down to our present situation being negative and tedious in every way.

(Chen Wu)

Money (Material) can bring Happiness?

A widespread belief may not really bring fun, but it would meet the needs of the society. Please note that it might not actually meet your personal needs.

Taking the example of eating authentic Qishan Saozi noodle, the first bite is not the same with the 100th bite. The happiness level is decreasing. Especially when the 50th bite has already fulfilled the physical need, the left 50 bites are just to make the chef happy.

But comparing the first 100 million and the 10th million you make, can you say your happiness is diminishing? Does making more money really mean more happier? For example, a beggar earns 1,000 yuan one day while Bill Gates earns 10,000 yuan, I believe the former should be happier.

If people do not believe that money can bring happiness, then we will no longer work hard and consume. If everyone is disillusioned and converted to Buddhism, our market system and social structure could collapse. Thus, although the belief "money will bring happiness" is obviously a fallacy, it caters to the needs of our society. Therefore, it will continue for thousands of years and spur every humanbeing to work hard and consume more.
(Chen Wu)

Topic Choosing

I don't understand on what kind of criteria is based when the editor chose this article. Why did China Dialogue choose this article?

Reviewing the "Choice- of-Topic Problem"

Could it be that this article is calling on us to take part in political activities or marches?
Or are you insinuating that we currently have no means of directly participating in political activities and marches, and are therefore unhappy?

You're Over- Thinking Things

Many of the above commentators really are thinking too much, and really suspicious. I think that this article is neither "stirring up" activism, nor do I believe that the author is making "insinuations" directed at the inhabitants of those countries who presently cannot take an action.

This is an interesting research and opinion piece, and nothing more.

It's like the "Earth Hour" movement, does turning the lights off for an hour have any real use?

Re. Comment 7

Since this "interesting research and opinion piece, and nothing more" is being given a platform like China Dialogue, it seems to be a case of "Less is more". It would have been perfectly acceptable to have chosen a topic more worthy of this site.