The Meaning of Life

Life is simple, once you know how to do it. 

The secret is so basic that most of us don't see it.  It's just one little idea that when we think about it we all go "oh yeah, that's it".  One idea that changes your whole life once you see it.  Everything comes down to this one thing.

Be happy.

You need to do whatever makes you happy right now.  You need to maximize your happiness to the fullest degree that is possible.

But there are some restrictions.

1) Happiness right now must not have a negative effect on happiness you need later.

This is the one restriction that controls all of the others.  I need to have a job to make money to be happy later (like when it comes time to eat).  I need to treat others well or they may affect my happiness in the future.

2) Happiness needs to be measured very carefully when it comes to affecting other people's happiness.

Along with the aforementioned future problems from others I think there is general happiness assigned to being nice to people.  Treating people like crap will give you a moral headache in the end.

3) Happiness needs to be a good thing.

Happiness and goodness have a close bond together.  Being evil (or bad) may give you happiness in the short term but it's not the kind of happiness that can be sustained.  Just remember: Good is good.

4) Past Happiness (or lack thereof) should have not effect on the present (or future) happiness.

You can look back in your life and be happy for all of the good times that have happened in your life.  But because you were happy in the past doesn't guarantee happiness in the present (or future).  In the same vain, lack of happiness in the past doesn't mean there will never be happiness again.

I'm sure there are other rules but these should be enough to get you started.  Now go out and play.

Be good.