Weekly Editorial - March 15, 2007
NOTE: Mr. Prager is not talking about people with serious problems that should be addressed and solved, but mood/attitude, and how people react to their daily circumstances.
1. For each of the following statements made by Mr. Prager in his commentary, write whether you agree or disagree and explain why:
_______________ Happiness -- or at least acting happy, or at the very least not inflicting one's unhappiness on others -- is no less important in making the world better than any other human trait [e.g. honesty, integrity, moral courage, and acts of altruism]. (para. 4)
_______________ ...just as we avoid those who do not do something about their body odor we should avoid whenever possible those who do nothing about their bad moods. (para. 11)
_______________ The pursuit of happiness is not the pursuit of pleasure. (para. 16)
_______________ But the pursuit of happiness is noble. It benefits everyone around the individual pursuing it, and it benefits humanity. (para. 17)
_______________ ...happiness, far from being only a selfish pursuit, is a moral demand. (para. 1)
2. What kind of effect does an unhappy person have on you?
3. Have you ever thought about what kind of effect you might have on your family or friends when you are unhappy? Explain your answer.
OPTIONAL: Email your reaction to Mr. Prager's commentary to dennisprager@dennisprager.com. (Visit his website at dennisprager.com)