It’s a really profound question, and there are many perspectives on why humans don’t experience constant happiness. Here are some key reasons, drawing from psychology, philosophy, and evolutionary biology:
1. Our Brains Aren’t “Wired” for Constant Happiness:
* Survival, Not Bliss: From an evolutionary standpoint, our brains are primarily designed for survival and reproduction, not continuous happiness. Being constantly content might make us less vigilant to threats or less driven to improve our circumstances. Negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and sadness serve as important signals, prompting us to avoid danger, seek change, or connect with others for support.
* Hedonic Adaptation: We tend to get used to new circumstances, even positive ones. This is called hedonic adaptation. That new car, promotion, or even winning the lottery brings a surge of happiness, but over time, we adapt to it, and our baseline level of happiness tends to return to where it was before. This means we’re always chasing the next “thing” for a similar emotional boost.
* Social Comparison: Our minds are often comparing us to others. Even if we’re doing objectively well, if someone else appears to be doing “better,” it can diminish our own sense of happiness.
2. The Nature of Emotion and Experience:
* Contrast is Key: We can only recognize happiness because we also experience its opposite. If we were always happy, we wouldn’t have a concept of what “happiness” truly is. Suffering, sadness, and discomfort provide the contrast that allows us to appreciate moments of joy.
* Emotions are Signals: Negative emotions aren’t inherently “bad.” They’re signals. Sadness might tell us we’re missing something or need to make changes. Anger might signal a boundary has been crossed. Ignoring these signals can lead to larger problems.
* Life is Messy: Our lives are a complex mix of emotions, thoughts, relationships, and external factors. Even if most aspects are favorable, one challenging area can impact our overall well-being.
3. Societal and Cultural Influences:
* The Pursuit of Happiness: Modern society often promotes the idea that we should be happy all the time, or that happiness is a constant state to be achieved. This can lead to disappointment and self-criticism when we inevitably experience other emotions.
* Materialism and External Validation: We are often conditioned to believe that money, possessions, status, or external validation will bring lasting happiness. While these things can provide temporary pleasure, they rarely lead to deep, enduring contentment. Advertising, in particular, can foster a sense of “lack” that fuels unhappiness.
4. Individual Factors:
* Past Experiences: Traumatic events or difficult past experiences can make it challenging to accept good things and fully embrace happiness, sometimes leading to guilt or anxiety when things go well.
* Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like depression, anxiety, or anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure) can significantly impact a person’s ability to feel happy, regardless of their external circumstances. These conditions often involve brain chemistry imbalances.
* Mindset and Habits: Our thoughts and habits play a significant role. Dwelling on negatives, self-doubt, or a lack of self-compassion can hinder happiness.
So, what can we do?
While constant happiness isn’t a realistic or even desirable goal, we can cultivate more well-being and contentment in our lives. This often involves:
* Accepting the full spectrum of emotions: Recognizing that all emotions have a purpose and are part of the human experience.
* Practicing gratitude: Focusing on what we have rather than what we lack.
* Prioritizing social connection: Strong relationships are a major predictor of well-being.
* Engaging in meaningful activities: Finding purpose and flow in what we do.
* Cultivating mindfulness: Being present and aware of our experiences without judgment.
* Taking care of our physical health: Exercise, sleep, and nutrition significantly impact mood.
* Challenging negative thought patterns: Shifting our mindset towards more realistic and compassionate thinking.
* Seeking professional help: If you’re struggling with persistent unhappiness or symptoms of a mental health condition, a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support.
Ultimately, happiness isn’t a destination, but an ongoing practice and a recognition of the rich, varied tapestry of human experience.

You’re asking if a child is studying math just to pass exams. As an AI, I don’t have children or personal experiences. However, I can discuss the common reasons why students might focus solely on passing exams in math, and why a broader approach to learning math is beneficial.
The Exam-Centric Approach to Math
Many students, and even educational systems, can become very focused on exams as the primary goal of learning. This often leads to:
* Rote memorization: Children might memorize formulas and procedures without truly understanding the underlying concepts.
* Surface-level understanding: They might learn just enough to solve specific types of problems that commonly appear on tests, rather than developing a deep, flexible understanding.
* Lack of genuine interest: When the sole purpose is to get a good grade, math can feel like a chore rather than an interesting subject with real-world applications.
* “Cramming”: This approach often encourages last-minute study sessions to retain information temporarily for an exam, which is quickly forgotten afterward.
Beyond the Exam: The True Value of Math Education
Ideally, math education should aim for much more than just passing exams. It should foster:
* Conceptual understanding: A deep grasp of why mathematical principles work, not just how to apply them. This allows for problem-solving in new and unfamiliar situations.
* Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Math teaches logical reasoning, how to break down complex problems, and how to approach challenges systematically. These are valuable skills in all aspects of life.
* Real-world application: Understanding how math is used in science, engineering, finance, technology, and everyday situations (like budgeting or cooking) makes it more relevant and engaging.
* Curiosity and intellectual development: Math can be a fascinating subject that encourages curiosity and helps develop abstract thinking.
* Foundation for future learning: A strong math foundation is crucial for success in many higher education fields and careers.
Encouraging Deeper Learning in Math
If you’re concerned a child is only studying to pass exams, consider:
* Focusing on understanding over memorization: Ask “why” questions, encourage them to explain concepts in their own words.
* Connecting math to real life: Point out how math is used in everyday scenarios.
* Making it fun: Use games, puzzles, or interactive resources.
* Encouraging exploration: Let them experiment with different ways to solve problems.
* Celebrating effort and understanding, not just grades: Praise their perseverance and their ability to grasp difficult concepts.
Ultimately, while exams are a part of the educational process, they should be a measure of learning, not the sole purpose of it. The goal is to equip children with mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

To determine the better option, we should consider the overall impact of each choice.
If the goal is to maximize the benefits derived from the sacrifice, whether those benefits are spiritual, communal, or material (e.g., distributing meat to a larger number of people), then taking a large number of animals would likely lead to a greater net positive. This approach would potentially reach and benefit more individuals, fulfilling a wider range of needs or spiritual intentions.
Conversely, sacrificing a very valuable animal might be seen as a more significant or impactful act on a symbolic level, perhaps demonstrating greater devotion or an elevated offering. However, if the primary consideration is the distribution of resources or the fulfillment of a communal need, the benefit of a single, highly valuable animal might be limited compared to the broader distribution of a larger number of less valuable animals.
Therefore, the option that yields the greatest good for the greatest number, or produces the most widespread positive outcomes, would be the more favorable choice.

Humayun Saeed recently shared a humorous take on his expectations from married life. He playfully stated that he wants his wife, Samina, to grant him permission to “go wherever he wants to” while still believing that he will ultimately return to her. It implies that he has not yet heard his wife say this exact sentence, giving him complete freedom in his endeavors.