Maq Masi Blog

Happiness. It whispers to us like a distant melody, something we long for but can never quite hold. We chase it relentlessly—through achievements, possessions, and fleeting pleasures—only to find it slipping away, like a shadow retreating before the light. But what if happiness isn’t something to chase? What if it’s something to cultivate, patiently and intentionally, like tending to a delicate garden?

Think about the last time you felt truly happy. Was it because of something extravagant, or was it a small, unexpected moment? Perhaps it was a shared laugh with a loved one or the simple warmth of sunlight on your face. The great thinkers of the past, especially the hedonists, believed that happiness wasn’t about excess or indulgence, but about finding joy in what is already here, now.

Hedonism often carries a misunderstood reputation, associated with reckless pleasure and indulgence. But its roots lie in simplicity. Epicurus, the philosopher most closely linked to hedonism, taught that true happiness comes from moderation, friendship, and reflection. He valued the kind of joy that doesn’t fade with time—a shared meal, freedom from fear, or the peace of knowing one’s limits. His vision was clear: happiness isn’t about taking more, but about appreciating enough.

And yet, how often do we live this way? We live in a world that constantly whispers, More. More possessions, more recognition, more success. It convinces us that happiness lies in a bigger house, a faster car, or a higher title. We fall into the trap of comparison, measuring our lives against others, thinking we need to keep up. But these pursuits rarely lead to joy. Instead, they weigh us down with fear—fear of not having enough, fear of losing what we’ve gained, and fear of falling behind.

Happiness, however, isn’t found in these external markers. It’s not something you buy or achieve; it’s something you create within. Consider this: if you’re content in a modest two-bedroom home with your family, will a larger house truly bring more joy? Or will it bring higher expenses, added stress, and new fears of losing what you’ve gained? Happiness lies in setting boundaries—not just for what you acquire, but for what you desire.

Imagine your happiness as a balance sheet, where joy is the income and unchecked desires are the expenses. When desires outpace your ability to fulfil them, the result is stress and dissatisfaction. The key is to live within your means—not just financially, but emotionally. Recognise what truly brings you happiness and protect it from the endless chase for more.

Even in moments of pain or struggle, the pursuit of happiness doesn’t have to stop. The hedonists understood that life is not without hardship. Epicurus believed that facing our fears—especially the fear of death—was essential to living well. Happiness doesn’t mean avoiding pain; it means finding growth and meaning in it. It means seeing challenges not as barriers but as stepping stones, shaping you into someone stronger, more resilient, and more grateful.

Happiness is not a destination; it’s a practice. It’s the way you live your life, the choices you make, and the perspective you bring. It’s in the moments you savour, the connections you nurture, and the burdens you choose to let go. To live a happy life is not to escape fear and worry but to acknowledge them without letting them rule you.

So, ask yourself: Are you living for others or for yourself? Are you chasing happiness outside, or are you finding it within? The hedonists remind us to focus on the present, to enjoy what we already have, and to let go of what we don’t need. Because in the end, happiness is not something you find—it’s something you become.