Since we live in the present, how does an ancient concept of happiness really matter? Or anothers concept of happiness for that matter?
Understanding. You have probably read here the original definition the Founders had about the “pursuit of happiness.” Our world has changed since then. Happiness has gone from living within God’s will to do what you want.
The reminder of the original meaning is valuable. You and I are products of our family and our culture.
To give you a small example, my Grandfather, until the day he died, would refer to a good and fun evening as a gay time.
Can you imagine saying that with a straight face?
It matters to those who understand what was said by Woodrow Wilson —a man who was President and who died before I was even considered by my earthly father. In 1911 President wilson spoke in Denver saying ,in part—” A nation which does not remember what it wa syesterday,does not know what it is today,nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about....—Se America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of quotations ,Wm J.Federer Editor Amerisearch ,2000,p.p297-98 note 203 also I am reminded of the ancient folk tale of the grasshopper and the ant. The grasshopper thought the ant foolish for preparations for winter-After all grasshoppers live only for the present and have no use for the past— nor plans for the future. Some will read and understand-some will not.
Yeah, no problem. As I said, how do old definitions matter?
Using the modern definition, one can never actually attain “happiness.” Using the original, more accurate meaning, one can actually imagine attaining it.