The Pursuit of Happiness: Perception and Definition

Judith E. Glass, Rutgers University, Fall 2005

Assignment 1

Jon Gertner, a journalist, describes the research of scientists who are studying “happiness” and our ability to predict what will make us happy. Their research undermines a number of assumptions that we typically make about human behavior and decision-making in our pursuit of happiness. These scientists – like biologists and astronomers – label their analyses with terms like (1) “impact bias,” (2) forecasting errors, (3) “empathy gap,” (4) “affective forecasting,” (5) “psychological immune system,” and (6) “hot and cold states.” (Be sure you understand these terms). In response to Gertner’s questions, the scientists provide examples from their research and lives to support their theories and discuss their practical application.

Your essay assignment: Describe one or more experiences in your own life when you made important decisions in the pursuit of happiness or a goal and discuss whether the outcomes confirm or refute the scientists’ findings. Your thesis statement should make your position clear. Obviously, you do not have to accept their findings, which are based on a sampling of people who participated in their research, but you must use the scientists’ terms to discuss your experiences. Do not merely provide definitions of these terms or a summary of their research; integrate the terms into your description and interpretation of your own experience.

Assignment 2

In trying to understand Chris McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness, Jon Krakauer interviews people who knew or met Chris along the way, as well as others who shared his desire to take risks and test themselves in the wilderness. Re-read p. 303 to the end of the excerpt and come to your own conclusions about Chris’journey. Then, think of his journey in terms of the Gertner essay and the findings of the scientists.

Essay Question: Discuss Chris McCandless’s expedition and his motives in terms of the Gertner essay. Using the terms the scientists use, does McCandless’ expedition confirm or contradict their findings? Did McCandless find happiness? Would it make any difference if his death had been caused by a car accident? If he had known about the scientists’ research, would he still have embarked on his quest for happiness?

Assignment 3

Annie Dillard’s remarkable essay, “The Wreck of Time,” weaves stunning facts, statistics, and poetic images into an unstructured essay about human existence, life, and death. While the essay may seem simply depressing on first reading, there are messages and insights that go beyond the inevitability and finality of death. Once we acknowledge the billions who have died and will die, we are left with her question, “How can an individual count?” (123).

Essay Question: How can an individual count? Discuss the question by crafting a thesis statement that answers Dillard’s question, (123). This is not a personal essay. Your answer must be based on the three readings to date. You could begin by imagining how you think the scientists in the Gertner essay would answer the question and then how Chris McCandless or Jon Krakauer might answer it. You must then weave the three essays together.

After brainstorming the question, develop an outline around quotations from each of the three readings that can serve as the bases for your analyses. It might also help to develop topic sentences that explore varying aspects of the question.You don’t have to devote equal time to each, but your paper must include all three.

Your conclusion should do more than summarize. It should reflect a thoughtful response to the question and perhaps a lesson for others.

Back to top

Back to Sample Sequences