Madison Smith

Professor Jizi
UWRT 1102
26 January 2016

Double Entry Journal

Citation: Parfitt, Matthew, and Dawn Skorczewski. Pursuing Happiness: A Bedford Spotlight
Reader. Place of Publication Not Identified: Bedford Bks St Martin'S, 2015. Print.

Source: Quote (Page# or Paragraph #)

Responses

I use the term happiness to refer to the

experience of joy, contentment, or positive
well-being, combined with a sense that
ones life is good, meaningful, and
worthwhile. However, most of us dont need
a definition of happiness because we
instinctively know whether we are happy or
not. (pg. 184)

I completely agree with this statement! A

definition of happiness is rather unnecessary
because we know when we are happy or not.
We dont need someone defining when we
are truly happy and we can figure it out for
ourselves.

Happiness is not out there for us to find.

(pg. 185)

I like the way this woman thinks! So far I have

agreed to everything she has said about
happiness. I am eager to read more.

Another big fallacy is the notion that if only

something about the circumstances of our
lives would change, then we would be
happy. (pg. 185)

I think I disagree with this statement. Yes, it is

not all about our circumstances but I believe
that it can play a role in how happy we are in
life. For example, when I get a poor grade it is
hard for me, in that moment, to feel happy. I
feel awful because Ive made such a bad
grade. In that circumstance, my happiness
has dropped.

But just because your happiness set point

cannot be changed doesnt mean that your
happiness level cannot be changed. (pg.
190)

I dont know if I agree that everyone has a set

point that cannot be changed.

Our genes do not determine our life

experience and behavior. (pg. 190)

Yes I agree with this point.

So, our genes play an important role in

depression, as they do in happiness (pg.
192)

The writer just said that genes do not

determine our life experience and behavior.
But isnt happiness and depression
considered a behavior??

This means that no matter what your

genetic predisposition, whether or not that
predisposition is expressed is in your
hands. (pg. 193)

Well this makes more sense and definitely

answers my previous question!

Although we may achieve temporary boosts

in well-being by moving to new parts of the
country, securing raises, or changing our
appearances, such boosts are unlikely to be
long-lasting. (pg. 195)

Looking back on my response to the third

quote I have posted, I do not know if I still
agree with what I said. Now the writer has
persuaded me to agree with what she is
saying about how changes in circumstances
are temporary and not long-lasting.