There are several events in modern history that have had a profound impact on mankind.
1) The Industrial Revolution – The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century led to the replacement of human labour with machinery on a large scale, which greatly increased the productivity of the economy, and led to a rapid increase in both industrial and agricultural productivity. This also led to economic growth that increased the living standard of humankind. This has also generally increased human happiness. The standard of living of an ordinary person in modern times may be comparable to that of an aristocrat in the olden days.
2) Population Revolution- The Industrial Revolution was followed by a population revolution. Due to the advancement of knowledge and technology, the medical standard has been greatly improved and diseases that were once fatal can be cured in modern days. The death rate of babies today is very low, and the chances of women dying in childbirth have also been greatly reduced. As a result of this improvement in medical care, life expectancy has increased from less than 50 years in the mid-19th century to more than 80 years today. This population revolution has increased the general sense of happiness.
(3) Social Welfare Revolution – The democratic activities of modern society, the abolition of racial discrimination, the equalization of genders, the greater emphasis on human rights in national politics, and the provision of various types of national welfare and the reduction of the social poverty rate have all contributed to an increase in the sense of happiness of the general public. Many countries provide free education, social health insurance, government assistance mechanisms, various scholarships to train talents, and other benefits to the people. Some of the Northern European countries offer even more attractive social benefits, so generally speaking, the general sense of happiness of the citizens is also higher.
4) 21st Century Technological Revolution – The technological development in the last 20 years has been rapid and has greatly improved the convenience of life, which has led to a better quality of life. The development of modern technology is heading towards a geometrical development and no one can estimate how human life will change in the future. What was impossible or merely science fiction 50 years ago has now become a reality.
However, has human happiness increased? Has material growth, increased life expectancy, increased social benefits, and technological advances really increased human happiness? How can we be sure that modern humans are happier than those of the past?
Happiness is very subjective and relative, and usually varies when we make comparisons with others, or with one’s own expectations.
Example 1: (A situation of comparison with others.) If my monthly income is $10,000 and my friend or classmate’s income is $5,000 per month, then I feel happier. However if my friend or classmate’s income is $20,000 and my income remains the same, I am no longer happy, even though I still receive $10,000 monthly.
Example 2: (A situation of comparison with own expectations.) When my expectation is to buy a Proton Saga, and I succeed in buying one, I feel happy. But when my expectation is to buy a new BMW, but I can only afford to buy a Proton Saga, I feel unhappy even though I still get the Proton Saga.
The happiness of the world is unreal. It is a personal feeling that can be manipulated psychologically. Personal happiness should not be an indicator of life, nor is it the purpose of our lives.
The only thing that is most valuable in life is living according to God’s will. The only purpose in life is to understand God’s will and to live in God’s teachings. The only way to be happy in life is to live out God’s great commission.
Discipleship training is to help you find happiness in life. Discipleship training is to help you find the meaning of life. Discipleship training is about finding your calling in life and living out true happiness.
Discipleship helps you move toward happiness.