06/11/2025
The Keys to
"The findings suggest that pursuing focused on self-enhancement or self-centered value are less likely to result in happiness compared to pursuing alter-centered collective goals or self- / ." - National Library of Medicine (NLM)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30625160/
"Self-transcendence altruism prosocial values associated with greater happiness, while self-centered goals and are not
Engaging in behaviors, like or , can lead to increased happiness, especially when individuals feel a sense of choice, social connection, and see a positive impact from their actions.
Self-centeredness and materialism are often linked to fluctuating happiness and may be negatively correlated with authentic–durable happiness.
High levels of materialism have been consistently associated with less happiness, lower life satisfaction, and deficits in and interpersonal relationships.
Materialism can also lead to increased negative emotions, such as and .
Self-enhancement and self-centeredness:
Research suggests that individuals who prioritize personal achievements, money, power, or health tend to be less happy compared to those who prioritize social , spirituality, or altruistic values.
Altruistic and collective goals:
Studies have shown that prioritizing social relationships, , , and connections is positively associated with happiness. Furthermore, engaging in acts of and service to others, as well as focusing on shared goals, can lead to greater .
Self-transcendence:
Self-transcendence, which involves a decreased sense of self and an increased sense of connection with something larger than oneself (e.g., , a cause, or the natural world), has also been linked to higher levels of happiness and well-being.
Why this matters:
The findings highlight the importance of shifting focus from personal gains to the well-being of others and pursuing goals that align with our and contribute to a sense of and meaning in .
In summary: While personal goals are important, incorporating a concern for others and pursuing goals that have a positive on the community is strongly linked to greater happiness. This suggests that prioritizing the well-being of others can indeed lead to a faster and more path to happiness. "
- Google AI summation of various sources on the referenced quote
Personal values refer to the beliefs, principles or ideas that are important to people's lives. We investigated the associations between personal values and happiness. We inquired about the importance of four different categories of personal values: prioritizing social relationships, extrinsic achie...
