Maximizing Non-Believers' Happiness

-Removed-

The degree to which your point 5 and explanation of it is thoughtful, sincere, interesting ~ and most likely true ~ is rendered moot by it being "uncooperative" vis a vis the OP. It's like you bowled the ball and hit the stumps only to have the delivery ruled a No Ball having overstepped the crease.

@fmf said
What practical advice - stemming from their own walk-the-walk faith-lives - do believers have for non-believers seeking to maximize their happiness ~ with the assumption being that seeking happiness through adopting the believers' religious faith is a non-starter?

You remember what the Good Samaritan did? Thats it. Do that. Everything else falls into place.

@fmf said
What practical advice - stemming from their own walk-the-walk faith-lives - do believers have for non-believers seeking to maximize their happiness ~ with the assumption being that seeking happiness through adopting the believers' religious faith is a non-starter?

Seek truth. Pursue happiness. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Be honest to a fault. Forgive. Pour out your life in service to your family and your neighbors. Give. Love.

No one can do it perfectly. Just do the best you can. When you fail, and you will, then get up and keep going.

@fmf said
What practical advice - stemming from their own walk-the-walk faith-lives - do believers have for non-believers seeking to maximize their happiness ~ with the assumption being that seeking happiness through adopting the believers' religious faith is a non-starter?

Hmm. I'm not sure I'm qualified to respond even though I am a believer -- but perhaps not the kind of believer for whom the question was intended.

My first thought was to question whether maximal happiness, or even happiness itself, were desirable.

That aside, unfortunately several committees have involved themselves over here. I have a meeting with The Archons at 4 PM tomorrow, plus now the gut microbiota wants to get involved and they have several petitions in circulation, with great potential for sectarian disputes leading to either an impasse or a sudden exodus. There are probably several other organs and tissues simmering in silent resentment.

At the quantum level, things seem pretty dynamic and fluid and you wouldn't believe the conversations that go on behind the scenes, but it still seems rather relaxed and cushy at the same time.

Also, Madame Blavatsky says "Hi!"

@fmf said
This contravenes the last 15-16 words of the OP!

I am also not sure how 'seeking god or gods', in and of itself, necessarily maximizes happiness.

First, let's note that you haven't defined happiness, and have not explained what maximal happiness would feel like, and whether that would be healthy or desirable. 😉

Maybe 'seeking god or gods' could be generalized into "seek your ultimate origins or at least have a good look toward that or those directions," or maybe "try to touch the bottom of the pool if you can" -- with the idea that a given sentient sprout might feel more satisfied and appreciative if it had a more developed sense of the greater context in which it occurred.

Or -- if we were to substitute self-aware dust-devil for sentient sprout -- said savvy whirlwind might still find greater satisfaction and appreciation when considering the good luck of its own transitory occurrence within the grand whirligig of life, even despite the suffering and limitations it might encounter.

@caesar-salad said
First, let's note that you haven't defined happiness, and have not explained what maximal happiness would feel like, and whether that would be healthy or desirable.

People responding to the OP can do these things if they want to. I was more interested in inviting people ~ believers ~ to react to the issue of happiness as they see it rather than starting a debate about what my own personal definition is.

@caesar-salad said
Maybe 'seeking god or gods' could be generalized into "seek your ultimate origins or at least have a good look toward that or those directions," or maybe "try to touch the bottom of the pool if you can" -- with the idea that a given sentient sprout might feel more satisfied and appreciative if it had a more developed sense of the greater context in which it occurred.

Yeah, sure. That's why I chose my words when I said I am not sure how 'seeking god or gods', in and of itself, necessarily maximizes happiness. It obviously does for some.