Photo used under a Creative Commons license.
So if you put this list in front of your year group, how many kids would agree that some or all of these would make them happy?
1. Becoming rich, powerful and famous.
2. Treating the universe as if it were a mail-order catalog by expecting it to gratify our every desire.
3. Yearning for the “freedom” to achieve every last wish.
4. Seeking too much pleasure.
5. Maliciously taking revenge on someone who has hurt you.
6. Assuming that any one thing will make you happy.
7. Expecting all praise and no criticism.
8. To vanquish all your enemies.
9. To never face adversity.
10. Expending all your effort on taking care of yourself alone.
This list is from an article by Matthieu Ricard, and if you read his long version of the list above here, you can discover (and explain to any bewildered kids) why none of the above are good roads to happiness. Or else ask them to consider/reconsider and give your their opinion. One way or the other.
And do I think all kids are perfect and will read this list and be angels of smartness? No. They are, after young, and therefore know everything. It's a long-drip process called growing up.
Cheers
Ruth
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