Research has recently found that older people are actually happier with their daily life than those who are 18. On the other hand, research also suggests that Americans are unhappiest between the ages of 40-44. What do you think? What does age have to do with happiness? Should we be happier when we are young and carefree? Or, should we be happier when we are settled and stable in our lives? Write an essay that argues one way or the other.
Option #2: Happiness and Money
Recent research suggests that money can, in fact, buy happiness. However, it depends on how you use it. A big house and fancy car might not make you happy, but having the money to vacation with your family is a different story. However, it can't be denied that money can corrupt. Research done by Paul Piff at the University of California, Berkeley, "claims that having more money typically leads to more aggressive, selfish and “morally reprehensible” behavior." What do you think? Does more money equal happiness or does more money change people in a negative way? Choose a side and argue for it.
Option #3: Happiness and Service to Others
We all know that we should help others. Whether it's part of our religious beliefs, or our understanding of what it means to be a good citizen, we are all raised knowing that we should go out of our way to help our neighbors, as well as strangers in need. However, we don't always put this into practice. We seem to be more occupied with making ourselves happy rather than focusing outward. Why is this? What keeps us from helping others? Come up with an explanation and support it.
write a paragraph or two of your own (for the next essay), and include a few (1-2) properly in-text cited quotes and/or paraphrases. To complete this activity successfully you will have to read the assigned readings in this module FIRST.
Sample Solution