5 Most Dangerous Myths We Still Believe About Happiness
Kazi Nasir | Jan 01, 2026, 17:16 IST
Dangerous Myths About Happiness
Image credit : AI - ChatGPT
What is happiness and why does it feel so elusive in the most comfort-seeking era of human history? This article examines five dangerous myths we still believe about happiness, from treating it as life’s ultimate goal to assuming unhappiness means failure. Drawing on the philosophy of Viktor E. Frankl, the piece argues that happiness cannot be chased directly but emerges as a byproduct of meaningful action.
Highlights
- Happiness is often mistaken for pleasure or constant comfort
- Chasing happiness directly can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety
- Achievement provides temporary highs, not lasting fulfillment
- Negative emotions are part of a meaningful life, not a failure
What is happiness? Is it a form of pleasure or more than that? Maximising pleasure and minimising pain became the ultimate purpose of human beings today. The most comfort-seeking era of human history, yet a large population still quietly lives in unhappiness. The modern myths of happiness that we believe aren't just wrong; they are harmful. According to Viktor E Frankl, a neurologist, psychiatrist and holocaust surviver, "happiness cannot be pursued directly; it must 'ensue' as an unintended byproduct of dedicating oneself to a meaningful purpose or a cause greater than oneself." In short, happiness is a byproduct of meaningful actions.
![What is Happiness Really]()
Modern culture today treats happiness like a destination or product; one just needs to find it, secure it and maintain it. If that's true, then every unhappy day must be a failure. And that's when it becomes toxic, as people focus to manage their emotions more seriously instead of living life.
Know that a meaningful life must include discomfort as well, and if you wish to chase only comfort, then be prepared for the dissatisfactions that are waiting on the door for you.
Instead of pleasure, meaning should be the object of seeking.
This is known as an arrival trap, where people, instead of living today, live in the future, "When I get this job, salary, relationship or house... then I'll live a happy life."
Achievements are part of the life cycle that gives a temporary high → then normal life returns → then again, the next goal appears.
According to Frankl, achievement is a great tool that weak purpose.
![Happiness and Meaning,]()
How could one feel good all the time when real life also contains grief, boredom, sometimes anger and uncertainty? People who want to live by this myth suppress their emotions, then they become numb, and they call it "peace."
Happiness is not a form of constant joy; it's the ability to stay present and functional through the highs and lows of life.
This is how people just postpone life, "After exams... after this project... after marriage... after I move..." In real life, circumstances keep changing, so their happiness also keeps getting delayed.
Even if you can't control the situation you're living in, you can still choose the way to react in any particular situation.
No matter what you're gifted in life, social media will always make you feel insignificant by comparing others doing better, happier or more "soted" than you. An algorithm made to make humans feel shame. So that they purchase more stuff to feel happy.
Know that the presence of difficulties makes life more real and meaningful. And meaning may not make you feel good, but still, meaning requires you to feel true.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Q1. What are the 5 secrets of happiness?
Ans: Connect, be active, learn, take notice and give.
Q2. What are the 5 V's of happiness?
Ans: A simple yet powerful guide to intentional living.
Q3. What's bigger than happiness?
Ans: Meaning and purpose
Myth 1: “Happiness is the goal of life”
What is Happiness Really
Image credit : Freepik
Modern culture today treats happiness like a destination or product; one just needs to find it, secure it and maintain it. If that's true, then every unhappy day must be a failure. And that's when it becomes toxic, as people focus to manage their emotions more seriously instead of living life.
Know that a meaningful life must include discomfort as well, and if you wish to chase only comfort, then be prepared for the dissatisfactions that are waiting on the door for you.
Instead of pleasure, meaning should be the object of seeking.
Myth 2: “If I achieve more, I’ll finally be happy”
This is known as an arrival trap, where people, instead of living today, live in the future, "When I get this job, salary, relationship or house... then I'll live a happy life."
Achievements are part of the life cycle that gives a temporary high → then normal life returns → then again, the next goal appears.
According to Frankl, achievement is a great tool that weak purpose.
Myth 3: “Happiness means feeling good all the time”
Happiness and Meaning,
Image credit : Freepik
How could one feel good all the time when real life also contains grief, boredom, sometimes anger and uncertainty? People who want to live by this myth suppress their emotions, then they become numb, and they call it "peace."
Happiness is not a form of constant joy; it's the ability to stay present and functional through the highs and lows of life.
Myth 4: “My happiness depends on my circumstances”
This is how people just postpone life, "After exams... after this project... after marriage... after I move..." In real life, circumstances keep changing, so their happiness also keeps getting delayed.
Even if you can't control the situation you're living in, you can still choose the way to react in any particular situation.
Myth 5: “If I’m not happy, I’m failing”
No matter what you're gifted in life, social media will always make you feel insignificant by comparing others doing better, happier or more "soted" than you. An algorithm made to make humans feel shame. So that they purchase more stuff to feel happy.
Know that the presence of difficulties makes life more real and meaningful. And meaning may not make you feel good, but still, meaning requires you to feel true.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
FAQs
Ans: Connect, be active, learn, take notice and give.
Q2. What are the 5 V's of happiness?
Ans: A simple yet powerful guide to intentional living.
Q3. What's bigger than happiness?
Ans: Meaning and purpose