Hello Benoit, John, et al.,



Perhaps I ought to add my two cents to this discussion inasmuch as many
years ago I considered this problem for awhile in connection with
formulating definitions of (i) happiness, (ii) sustainable happiness, and
(iii) universal sustainable happiness in connection with establishing a
Fundamental Theorem that came to the attention of Andrius who subsequently
invited me to join this group. See
http://dematerialism.net/Chapter%201.html#_Toc94226113 where, following Ed
Deci and Richard Ryan I listed the conditions for happiness as follows:

1. Reasonable satisfaction of tissue deficits.

2a. Autonomy or freedom from tyranny.

2b. Effectiveness, the ability to interact with one's environment in a
satisfying and positive manner.

2c. Relatedness, good relations with fellow human beings and, perhaps,
animals.

3. Safety, assurance that the above four preconditions
cannot be taken away, except, perhaps, by Mother Nature, e.g., astronomical
events.

From these conditions the rest follows easily as described in the text of
the URL.

Tom Wayburn, Houston, Texas







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