We now know the three great determinants of happiness, thanks to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth. They are:
· doing good to others
· a network of strong supportive relationships, and
· a sense that one’s life is worthwhile.
Rabbi Sacks told Krista Tippett, on her PBS program, On Being (formerly called Speaking of Faith), that this idea has been part of the “great tradition of wisdom for 3000-4000 years,” and we now know, thanks to modern science, that it is true.
One of the issues continually raised by students of ethics is, does ethics pay? That is, does ethical behavior lead to happiness? Rabbi Sacks’s formulation strengthens the argument that it does.
Tags: chief rabbi, ethics, happiness, Krista Tippett, On Being, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Speaking of Faith, United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth
Ethics Bob 
November 18, 2010 at 9:37 pm |
He’s got to be missing something. I have all of these, and I’m miserable.
November 18, 2010 at 9:43 pm |
You just THINK you’re miserable.
November 18, 2010 at 11:01 pm |
Jack, maybe it is that you are ungrateful for what you have. Maybe you should look to those who have fallen on greater misfortunes than yourself, do some self reflection, and realize that your life is far better than what you think it is. I do agree that the list the Rabbi made is incomplete, and should include other virtues as well.
Bob, do you know why Krista Tippett changed the name of her show? I know the show’s content did not change, but I loved the shows name!
November 18, 2010 at 11:42 pm |
Ata, Krista explained that the old title was too narrow, as she covered topics broader than faith. I suspect that they wanted to broaden their appeal to people outside religion.