In the modern world, the pursuit of happiness is not merely a philosophical musing but a strategic challenge.

Balanced Strategies for Lasting Joy

In the modern world, the pursuit of happiness is not merely a philosophical musing but a strategic challenge. On one hand, rational planning, akin to moves in chess, allows us to set clear goals and progressively approach our dreams. This method disciplines, motivates, and provides the ability to see the entire scope of forthcoming accomplishments, laying the foundation for material progress and long-term success.

On the other hand, when we consciously strive for happiness, we encounter an astonishing paradox: the more energy invested in its pursuit, the more elusive it becomes. It is precisely here that the importance of flexibility and the ability to improvise comes to light. Life is full of moments when rigid adherence to a prearranged plan yields to spontaneous improvisations that allow adaptation to changing circumstances. Although this approach may not be ideal for reaching grand ambitions, it opens the door to immediate satisfaction and inner harmony.

Thus, true well-being comes not through the perfection of one strategy, but through the artful combination of forward-thinking planning and a keen sense of the moment. Rather than making happiness the ultimate goal, it is wise to focus on deeper life values and balance between strict strategy and spontaneous improvisation. This approach helps one become the true master of time, paving the way to genuine, lasting joy.

Which life strategy – meticulous planning, as in chess, or intuitive decision-making – leads to greater happiness?

The answer is founded on reflections regarding two strategies, each with its own merits and limitations in achieving happiness.

On one side, rational planning, similar to a chess strategy, helps set a “long-term perspective” for achieving significant goals. As noted in one of the sources, “Impromptu improvisation is always geared towards the immediate timeframe; it lacks the ‘long-term perspective’ necessary for achieving far-reaching goals. It is rational planning that fulfills the role of a ‘long-term perspective’” (source: link txt). Such an approach allows one to build an action plan, discipline oneself, and work steadily toward achieving planned goals, forming the basis for many successes in material civilization.

On the other hand, attempts to consciously pursue happiness can backfire, resulting in a paradox. As stated in one of the referenced materials, “Remarkably, happiness escapes a person the more they consciously strive to be happy. Kant aptly points out in 'The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals' that for a being with reason and will, its well-being cannot be its ultimate goal” (source: link txt). This means that an excessive focus on achieving happiness—especially if pursued purely through rational means—can lead to the opposite effect, leaving happiness unattainable.

Thus, although planning provides the means to achieve long-term goals and organize life according to a clear scheme, it is evident that happiness is not guaranteed solely by this method. Conversely, the intuitive (improvisational) style of decision-making can be effective in situations where flexibility and adaptation to immediate circumstances are crucial, yet it lacks the strategy required for realizing massive, far-reaching goals.

In conclusion, neither exclusively meticulous planning, as in chess, nor solely intuitive decision-making leads to greater happiness. A stable and fulfilling state is generally attained when one does not make happiness the ultimate objective, but rather pursues other life values—becoming the “master of time” and balancing long-term planning with the necessity of responding flexibly to changing circumstances.

Supporting citation(s):
“Impromptu improvisation is always geared towards the immediate timeframe; it lacks the ‘long-term perspective’ necessary for achieving far-reaching goals. It is rational planning that fulfills the role of a ‘long-term perspective’” (source: link txt)
“Remarkably, happiness escapes a person the more they consciously strive to be happy. Kant aptly points out in ‘The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’ that for a being with reason and will, its well-being cannot be its ultimate goal” (source: link txt)