The Science of Happiness
幸福，是一门科学
词汇：四级/ 句法：高考/ 文本：四级
刘立军 供稿
A common mistake people make is confusing happiness with feelings of happiness. While happiness might come from being with loved ones or enjoying an activity, it’s important to recognize that happiness itself isn’t just a fleeting feeling.
人们常犯的一个错误，是将幸福与幸福感混淆。虽然幸福可能来源于与所爱之人相处或享受某项活动，但重要的是要认识到，幸福本身并不仅仅是短暂的感觉。
Instead, emotions are indicators of happiness, much like the aroma of a turkey signals Thanksgiving dinner. This distinction is crucial because it highlights that happiness isn’t solely about having positive feelings.
相反，情绪是幸福的指示，就像火鸡的香味预示着感恩节晚餐一样。这一区别至关重要，因为它强调了幸福不仅仅是拥有积极的感受。
It’s normal to experience negative emotions daily, and if we didn’t, it would indicate a serious issue. To truly understand happiness, we must look beyond these emotions and explore what drives them.
每天经历负面情绪是正常的，如果我们没有经历这些情绪，那反而可能表明存在严重的问题。要真正理解幸福，我们必须超越这些情绪，探索是什么驱动了它们。
A specialist in the science of happiness has analyzed data from millions of people with high well-being. They share three key elements: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning.
一名幸福科学的专家分析了来自数百万高幸福感人群的数据。他们的生活中都有三个关键要素：享受、满足和意义。
Enjoyment is often misunderstood; people mistake it for mere pleasure. Pleasure is instinctual and signals basic survival needs.
享受常常被误解，人们把它与单纯的愉悦相混淆。愉悦是一种本能的反应，标志着基本的生存需求。
In contrast, enjoyment involves deeper brain functions, combining pleasure with social interactions and memories. That’s why advertisements rarely depict solitary drinking; enjoyment is about connection.
相比之下，享受关乎更深层次的大脑功能，将愉悦与社交互动和记忆结合在一起。这就是为什么广告很少描绘独自饮酒的场景；享受，关乎的是联结。
Satisfaction is another essential component. It’s the joy that arises after overcoming challenges. If we achieve something without effort, it doesn’t feel rewarding. For example, if students cheat to get high grades, they miss out on true satisfaction.
满足是另一个重要组成部分。它是克服挑战后所产生的喜悦。如果我们轻易达到某个目标而没有付出努力，那么这种成就往往不会让人有成就感。例如，学生如果通过作弊获得高分，就会错过真正的满足感。
The third element is meaning, which is fundamental to happiness. While one can endure periods without enjoyment or satisfaction, a lack of meaning can lead to unhappiness.
第三个要素是意义，这是幸福的基础。虽然一个人可以忍受一段时间内缺乏享受或满足感，但如果缺乏意义，则会导致不幸福。
Meaning can be understood through three words: coherence (why things happen), significance (the value of life), and purpose (direction and goals). Finding answers to these questions is essential for a meaningful life.
意义可以通过三个词来理解：一致性（事情为何发生）、重要性（生命的价值）和目的（方向和目标）。找到这些问题的答案对于过上有意义的生活至关重要。
Philosophers like Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas categorized the rewards people seek into four areas: money, power, pleasure, and fame. Modern research supports that these pursuits do not lead to genuine happiness. Instead, we should focus on faith, family, friendship, and work that serves others.
哲学家如亚里士多德和托马斯·阿奎那将人们追求的奖励分为四个领域：金钱、权力、愉悦和名声。现代研究表明，这些追求并不能带来真正的幸福。相反，我们应该专注于信仰、家庭、友谊以及服务他人的工作。
It’s important to clarify that faith doesn’t have to be religious. Many find peace through philosophy, meditation, or nature. The key is to connect with something larger than oneself.
提到信仰时，必须澄清，这并不一定是宗教性的。许多人通过哲学、冥想或亲近大自然找到内心的平静。关键是要与某种比自己更大的东西联结。
Family life is crucial since humans are social beings. Caring for family, even those we may not particularly like, is essential. Neglecting these relationships can lead to unhappiness.
家庭生活至关重要，因为人类是社会性动物。照顾家人，即使是那些我们可能不太喜欢的家人，也是非常重要的。忽视这些关系可能会导致不幸福。
Friendship requires effort and time. Maintaining connections, even with just a few close friends, is vital for emotional well-being.
友谊需要付出努力和时间。即便只是与几位亲密的朋友保持联系，对于情感健康也至关重要。
Lastly, work shouldn’t dominate our lives. True joy from work comes from earned success and helping others. Recognizing your contributions and alleviating burdens for others can provide real satisfaction.
最后，工作不应主导我们的生活。工作带来的真正快乐来自于通过努力获得成功和帮助他人。认识到自己做出的贡献并减轻他人的负担，可以带来真正的满足感。
In summary, focus on faith, family, friends, and meaningful work as your “happiness pension plan.” Happiness isn’t a final destination but rather a direction. Achieving greater happiness requires knowledge, effort, and habit changes. The good news is that these changes are possible.
总之，将信仰、家庭、朋友和有意义的工作视为你的“幸福养老计划”。幸福不是一个终点，而是一个方向。获得更大幸福需要知识、努力和习惯的改变。好消息是，这些变化是完全可能实现的。
【词汇】
1. fleeting adj. 短暂的，瞬息的
2. aroma n. 香气，香味
3. depict v. 描述，描绘
4. solitary adj. 孤独的，独自的
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