In the reading “ The Futile Pursuit of Happiness” three different philosophers spoke on their views of what makes people happy. Loewenstein’s point of view stood out the most to me. In he reading he spoke about the ideas of the “empathy gap” and “hot” and “cold” states. These states express what people do when they are happy and when they are not. The “empathy gap,” as explained by Loewenstein, has to deal with thoughts and behaviors of happy people.
As stated in the reading by Loewenstein “hot” states are those who deal with anxiety, courage, and/or fear.While in this state we are so filled with emotions that we act first and think later. The “hot” state seems to get many in trouble and makes many do things they will regret later in life. The “hot” state can lead people to many bad habits. Examples of these habits are stress, alcohol, and drugs. Hot states are the states that many people come into terms with when they go to school, work, and even dealing with family members sometimes. I remember when I was in high school I had a lot of fear of taking tests in some classes. I didn't think that I would pass no matter how long and hard I studied. I think fear is the hot state most experienced. Many people go through life with fear and this controls their actions and behavior. “Hot” states are the most complicated to me because while in this state it is really hard to make decisions. Since I was scared that I would fail I would have to make the decision of studying and not studying. I knew if I didn’t study it would not end well nor would I be happy. So no matter how much I do not like studying I choose to do it because I know at the end I will have some sense of happiness.The “cold” state is the state of rational calm. as stated by Loewenstein. While in this state people tend to adapt to things better. This state has to deal with people thinking before they act on something. I think its hard to be in the “cold” state because in life there are many people out there who push you to be in the “hot” state. I am in the “cold” state everyday I go to work and school. At work I have to be in the “cold” state while dealing with customers. No matter many times I may not agree with them I must do whatever to keep them happy. At school I must stay calm to get through my work and stay on top of things. The moment I fall off track i know that everything else will fall apart as well. Being calm can be hard at times, but it all pays off when everything is said and done.
These ideas by Loewenstein in the reading were very interesting. As I read more deeper in to the reading I saw how true they are. I never knew that there was a way to analyze the people act everyday. These ideas have taught me a new way to look at why people do what they do in certain situations and why or why not people are happy.
