Happiness and Prosperity
1. Why These Two Together in Module 2
In Module 2, Happiness (Self) and Prosperity (facility) are contrasted as two distinct needs of human:
- Happiness: need of Self (conscious), addressed by right feeling / understanding — continuous in time, cannot be fulfilled by facility alone.
- Prosperity: feeling of having required facility with right assessment + assurance — need is limited in quantity, fulfilled by facility (with right understanding).
2. Distinction Table (exam must-draw)
| Aspect | Happiness | Prosperity |
|---|---|---|
| Whose need? | Self (conscious) | Body + living via facility |
| Quantity | continuous, wants always | limited, can be quantified |
| Fulfilment by | right understanding + right feeling (e.g., trust, respect) + required facility | facility (food, shelter, instruments) with right assessment |
| Continuity | sustainable if understanding present | sustainable if production/sharing assured |
| Example | feeling respected persists | having 2 kg wheat when need is 2 kg ⇒ feeling prosperous |
3. Common Mistake — Confusing the Two
Trying to fulfill happiness need via facility (e.g., buying respect with money) leads to failure and unhappiness because facility cannot replace feeling. Similarly, thinking prosperity needs unlimited facility leads to deprivation.
4. Right Combination
Human wants both: happiness and prosperity, and they are complementary: happiness ensures right use of facility; prosperity ensures body can support Self's activities.
5. Exam Points
- Distinguish happiness vs prosperity (table) — 7 marks, very frequent (almost certain to ask as difference).
- Show happiness continuous vs prosperity limited — 5 marks, frequent.
- Give illustration of mistaking one for the other — 3-5 marks.