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Jonathan Ross

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What are you happy for this past year?

Hello everyone,

I spent some time this Christmas in Seattle with my Iphone interviewing the people that live on the streets of Seattle and to ask them what they are happy for. The video is entitled 100 reasons to be happy and it is a testimonial from the people that have had it the toughest The responses were very moving and it had a great effect on me. I would love to know from others what are you truly thankful for in 2011. Much love was shared on that day and I would love to share their message with the world.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VpouZ7ZwKI


So what were you happy for in 2011?

Thank you,
Jonathan Ross

Topics: Seattle america caring education happiness homeless love support video
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  • David Grammer

    • +1
    Jan 26 2012: Even the desire to "make the world a better place" is self-serving in so far as it supports the individual's self-image. Pure altruism is a myth in that every act serves a personal need first. I don't see this in quite as negative a light as you seem to. I think most people define what they "should" do based upon cultural values and self interest. Otherwise, there would be a consensus on what people "should" do. I still see myself as clearly liberal in my ideals, but more pragmatic in my approach to solutions. I think a broad brush is precisely the correct tool to use when attempting to identify basic human motivations. At the most basic level, human behavior is not that subtle in terms of motivation.
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      Jonathan Ross

      • +1
      Jan 26 2012: Hi David,

      Super reply! I appreciate your philosophy but I have to disagree. I have found many people that believe what you are saying but if you follow other philosophies like the Buddhist philosophy they will find issue with your view point as well. However they will also embrace your view point as a form of enlightenment on their own path to reach a higher plain of consciousness.
      In the past I have followed the same philosophy as you and I can understand what your are saying as it does apply to a great deal of people. Once again i think it is to broad a stroke to lay on every person. There are different philosophies and they differ, one not being any better than the other just different perspectives.
      That asks a question do we help our own family for the same self serving reasons. If so why does a boy who was beaten by his father cry at the loss of him when he passes and still has love in his heart for the person that was so abusive. Love is an amazing thing.
      Daram Sali said after being imprisoned for 40 years, upon his release his first message to his people was " Treat your enemies as if they were precious jewels because it is your enemies that build your tolerance and patience on the road to your enlightenment ". This can be viewed in your philosophy as being self serving and protecting their own survival but I believe his words are trying to spread a different message. Everything is as it should be for a reason and it is how we accept or decline these issues that leads us to a better state of mind a happier place which in turn makes the world a happier place for everyone you co exist with. Just my two cents but I do love a good debate.,
      Thank you for sharing your perspective it has helped me to embrace my philosophy to an even greater extent so everyone has found their silver lining. All my best to you my friend and to all you love.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

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