The Four Levels of Happiness

The framework of the four levels of happiness is built upon over $2000+$ years of philosophical and theological tradition, including the works of:

Desire: Defined as a longing for something that we find good.
Happiness: Defined as the fulfillment of a desire.
The Process of Happiness:
- The cycle begins with a Desire, which is a longing for something good.
- This leads to an object or action that provides the Fulfillment of that desire.
- The end result of this fulfillment is Happiness. This can be visualized as: $\text{Desire} \rightarrow \text{Fulfillment of a Desire} \rightarrow \text{Happiness}$ .
The Hierarchy of Desires:
- Humans order their desires based on importance and their specific circumstances.
- While there are different kinds of desires and corresponding kinds of happiness, our deepest desires point toward God.

Description: This is the lowest level of the happiness hierarchy. It consists of tangible, physical pleasures and the acquisition of possessions.
Quality and Duration: It is the least fulfilling level and has the shortest duration.
Proper Use: This level of happiness is considered good when enjoyed properly.
Misuse and Crisis:
- It is never enough; one will always feel the need for more gratification.
- Over-reliance on this level leads to emptiness and loneliness.
Example: The pleasure derived from eating a burger.

Description: "Ego" stands for "I." This level focuses on internal gratification through achievements, winning, power, and popularity.
Status: This level is good when enjoyed properly.
Misuse and Crisis:
- It is never enough and consists of an inconstant, endless chase.
- It often leads to a "compare and despair" mentality regarding others.
- Potential negative outcomes include arrogance, loneliness, jealousy, and self-hatred.
Example: The happiness felt when winning a game in sports.

Description: This level involves seeking and doing that which is good, true, beautiful, and united. It is characterized by "being for others."
Status: This level is good when enjoyed properly.
Misuse and Crisis:
- It is never enough because the world is inherently imperfect.
- This level will eventually end, which can lead to disappointment, frustration, and despair.
Example: Helping others or engaging in volunteer work.

Description: This is the highest level of happiness and corresponds to the soul. It identifies the ultimate good as God, who is the source of love, beauty, goodness, unity, and truth.
Quality and Duration: This is the most fulfilling level and provides the longest-lasting happiness.
Requirements: Accessing this level requires a surrender to His love.
Misuse and Crisis:
- Believing that one must be "good enough" to receive His love.
- Failing to see or recognize God as love.
- Operating under the false assumption that being at this level means one will not suffer.

Definition: The transcendentals are eternal attributes of being which have their absolute perfection in God. They are infinite in nature ( $\infty$ ).
Core Transcendentals:
1. Truth
2. Beauty
3. Goodness
4. Unity
The Nature of God and Love:
- God is the perfection of all transcendentals.
- $1\,John\,4:8$ : "God is love."
- $CCC\,\#27$ : References the human desire for God.

Question: Can we have perfect and absolute happiness in this life?
Observation: The progression of levels suggests that while levels 1 through 3 offer genuine forms of happiness when used correctly, they are limited by tangibility, duration, and the imperfections of the world. Absolute and perfect happiness is associated with the highest level (Level 4), which is focused on the ultimate, infinite good found in God.