Joy as an act of resistance
While we live in a world that tirelessly urges us to efficiency, consumption and productivity, the joy often seems like a quiet protest. Could it be that in a system that educates us to define our value about money and performance, the decision for joy and love is a subversive act? And, can it be that in politically questionable times it takes exactly that: joy as an act of resistance?
The question is not new. Already the ancient philosopher Epicur emphasized: “The happiness of life lies in joy.” But what is this joy on? Epicurus did not see them in luxury or material wealth, but in simple joys, good friendships and inner peace. And yet our modern world seems to put everything to displace this insight. The hunt for success and wealth has become a mantra that keeps us in a constant state of the defect – more and more, and faster, and higher.
But how about if we were radically reoriented? If we no longer choose money, but joy and love as a yardstick of our lives?
Studies show the value of joy
A groundbreaking study by the Harvard University, known as the “Harvard Study of Adult Development“, Who persecuted the life of hundreds of people for over 80 years, came to a clear result: the key secret of a happy and healthy life is in good relationships. No money, no career, no fame – it is the quality of our human ties that really matters. But why do we sacrifice these bonds so often for overtime and material goals?
The philosopher Erich Fromm warned of the illusion that possession Luck Bring. In his work “have or his” he argues: “Man is only happy when he loves, not when he has.” But love – whether other people, the world or ourselves – requires courage. It requires to indulge in the moment, allow vulnerability and resist the hectic pace of the world.
Joy as a resistance
In a society that often forces us to define us through work and property, joy can be a rebellious decision. It asks us to pause and appreciate life itself – not as something that we have to control or consume, but as something we experience and share.
The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi shaped the concept of “flow”, a state of complete dedication to an activity that gives us pleasure. This condition is not bound to external success, but arises from a deep inner fulfillment. How often do we allow ourselves to do such moments? How often do we let the fear of the judgment of others or economic uncertainty prevent what we really enjoy?
An act of love
Joy is closely associated with love. If we let ourselves be guided by joy, we implicitly choose love – to ourselves, others and to the world. We choose connection with isolation, creativity about adaptation and hope of fear. It is a radical decision that makes us swim against the stream.
Martin Luther King JR. once said: “The power of love is the only force that can turn an enemy into a friend.” Love is a transformative force, and if you determine our decisions, we can not only change our own life, but also the world around us.
A new perspective
It is time to ask us: Why do we live, how we live? What drives us? And how about if we put joy and love at the top of our priorities? Wouldn’t that be the most radical form of resistance to a world that reduces us to numbers and performance?
The path is not easy, but it is necessary. Because in the end it is the joy that makes us human, and the love that connects us. Perhaps it is time to embrace this truth and to think again – not as a racing, but as a dance. A dance of joy, love and resistance to the cold of pure materialism.