The arrival of Labor Day often brings a sense of longing for the tranquil days of summer. Many miss the soothing sound of waves or the quiet of the forest. These places are often described as ‘happy places’ by therapists and yoga instructors.

While these pleasures are enjoyable, they should not be seen as the ultimate form of happiness. Many believe that life’s aim is to work hard, achieve success, and then enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. This frequently involves idyllic experiences, like sailing aimlessly, savoring meals in the South of France, or attending music festivals.

Such a view of happiness is supported by several influential thinkers. Jeremy Bentham, a utilitarian philosopher, advocated seeking maximum pleasure and avoiding pain. Oscar Wilde, in his letter “De Profundis,” expressed no regrets about seeking pleasure, having pursued it thoroughly.

However, there are those who caution against this kind of happiness, suggesting it should be approached sparingly. Among them is the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer.

Schopenhauer noted two significant adversaries of human beings: pain and boredom.

According to Schopenhauer, people use intellect to escape pain. But once pain is avoided, the mind demands new challenges and distractions, leading potentially to folly. This cycle can result in risky behaviors such as gambling or provoking quarrels. The mind struggles to remain idle, perpetuating boredom and inviting trouble.

Schopenhauer observed that against boredom, people seek temporary solutions like parties, gambling, or travel. Yet, these only provide short-lived relief, and boredom soon returns.

Reconsidering the pursuit of happiness as a never-ending quest for pleasure might be beneficial. It could prevent the cycle of boredom and folly that seeking endless leisure can bring.