Is Albert Einstein's Theory of Happiness Proven to Be Happy?

Albert Einstein

In 1951, Albert Einstein published the Theory of General Relativity. Over a hundred years later, the theory proved to be the most successful framework for understanding the universe.
The theory, guiding scientists to understand black holes, expanding time, gravitational waves, and many other discoveries.

In addition to formulating General Theory of Relativity, he also 'formulated' other theories. Not about physics, as in the field of science that it contains, Einstein reveals his theory of how to have a happy life.


The discovery of 'theory' began when Einstein was giving lectures in Japan in 1922. At that time, a Japanese courier arrived at Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, to send a message from Einstein.

The courier refused to receive a tip when Einstein was about to give it. Not wanting to go away with empty hands, the physicist wrote two small notes in German.

"A quiet and simple life provides more happiness, than pursuing a continuing success tied with insecurity," Einstein wrote in the first note.

Meanwhile in another paper, Einstein wrote a short sentence, "If there is a will, there is a way."

At that time, Albert Einstein called that the record would be worth much in the future. His words proved. The record, dubbed 'Einstein's Theory of Happiness', was sold in an auction for US $ 1.56 million or about Rp 21.1 billion.

According to the archivist responsible for Einstein's largest collection in the world at Hebrew University, Roni Grosz, the notes do not necessarily show a reflection of Einstein's musings of his growing fame.

But according to Grosz, the note can explain Albert Einstein's personal thinking whose name is closely related to genius.
"What we are doing here is painting a portrait of Einstein, a human, a scientist, and his influence on the world through his writings," Grosz said.

"(Writing) this is the piece," he added.

Prove the Truth of Einstein's Theory of Happiness

Happiness is much more relative than general relativity. Thus, it is difficult for scientists to give an answer whether Einstein's theory of happiness can really make a person happy.

However, some studies try to measure one's happiness by using a number of indicators.

In one study, it was found that those who changed the profession of the employee into a very busy entrepreneur, have a high satisfaction of life. It goes against Einstein's theory of happiness.
Meanwhile, other studies show that happy people are those who live a balanced life: work less than seven hours per day, exercise frequently, enjoy home meals five times per week, and socialize once a week. In contrast to previous studies, the study reinforces Einstein's theory.

Quoted from Live Science on Thursday (7/12/2017), one of the most profound scientific explorations of happiness and success was published in 2005. The researcher reviewed the 225 studies, revealing that happiness more often leads to success, not the other way around.

"Happiness brings success that will bring success to work, relationships, and health, and this success begins with a person's positive influence," the study says.
So, is it possible for the times in which Einstein felt the peace that made him happy and scored successes?

As many researchers observe, most humans are trapped in a "hedonic treadmill," that is, the tendency of a person's happiness level that tends to return to a state of origin despite achieving the success he or she wants.

"We work very hard to achieve a goal, imagine the happiness we will get if we reach it.Unfortunately, after getting it, in a short time we will return to the state of origin and pursue other things that we think will make happy, "writes a Psychology Professor at Knox College, Frank T McAndrew.

That is why people who should reach the peak of happiness, such as lottery winners, successful entrepreneurs, and celebrities, are often not much happier than others who are grateful for their situation.

On the basis of that consideration, Einstein's theory of happiness can be considered for use. However, because happiness is relative, it all goes back to each individual.

EKi