The wise thing to do is to learn to separate what makes us happy from what is actually good for us, so we don't end up destroying our lives while trying to make ourselves happy. Eventually the consequences of failing to do so will catch up with whosoever does otherwise. I guess the only way is to strive to get happiness from the things that are good for us. For example try to get happiness from exercising and from eating healthy, from reading, etc. That's because happiness is a core human need, we just have to satisfy that need the right way. James Clear's Atomic Habits offers insights on how to derive happiness from doing things that are good for us and not from things that make us happy but hurt our lives. Thanks for writing and have a great day. 

This is quite an engaging topic.

 Life might not give us what we work for neither is it guaranteed. So when I see people enjoying the moment to the fullest, I just smile.

You can decide to starve yourself of so many pleasures now, to enjoy a healthy future but what if that future never comes and life is unexpectedly stolen from you, what next?

Personally, I'd say: Just enjoy yourself but do so in moderation. Too much of everything is bad!

> It would be interesting to run an audit on "what makes us happy and work out how much of it is actually good for us, improves us, makes us a better version of ourselves.

I keep telling myself that if I'm actively dancing in the clubs all weekend, at least it is a good way to stay active and work on my aerobic conditioning. It's not just for the scene and the sounds, it's for the workout too 🤣🤣

> the people who add the least value, seem to take the most resources.

Yes and no, to an extent. I think about all the energy consumed by the private jets and the 1% jet setting around just to be seen by their friends. Sure they have the funds to afford this behavior, but they sure are using a bunch of resources that would serve society much more efficiently if it was spread among the masses!

>"if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach to life

Self control has been tossed to the winds and we are in an era where everyone has become indifferent to what really matters. If it's for immediate pleasure alone without taking the consequences into consideration, then of course it can't end well.

> Here for a good time, not a long time.

Hey, plenty of people are having a shit time *and* a short time, so I'm not sure there's a lot of justice. I'm a big believer (if that's a matter of belief, even) in healthy diet, exercise, you know, living the right life.  Largely because I enjoy it. I don't think I'd have much success with healthy eating or regular workouts if I didn't like doing that. For me, "it's good for you" just isn't enough of an incentive...

That being said, I do think a lot of people are deluding themselves. That if only they eat enough greens, or do enough squats or abstain from alcohol, tobacco or whatever else, they might find immortality. If only they're good enough boys and girls. I don't think that's how it works, though. Not guaranteed to, at least.

Personally, I'm looking for a balance between work/eat/exercise/whatever for tomorrow, and a more YOLO attitude. In all areas, from financial to dietary. Because I've met a few people sacrificing constantly for the ever-elusive tomorrow, who ended up getting nothing. Getting ill anyway. Or dying before they could use their savings, take that trip or do whatever they'd hoped to do in future. If the tomorrow bet lucks out, then you're golden. But if it doesn't? 

>I don't think it is going to end well for any of us, which is probably why more people are looking to get what pleasure they can, now - before there is none left.

Sadly, I think so too. I also think our society is designed in such a way to breed depression and helplessness, and many of us will do anything, no matter how nasty and unhealthy, to temporarily alleviate that.

Profound reflections on the complex relationship between happiness and health. You raise thoughtful questions about whether pursuing happiness in the moment truly serves our future wellbeing, both as individuals and a society. An insightful analysis that will hopefully inspire more mindful decision-making. Excellent food for thought!

I think the pandemic really did a number on a lot of people. They saw people they know die prematurely, and everyone was stuck inside their homes for a long time. Once they were able to get out, it was like caged animals that were set free and don't know the first thing they want to do. Some have even gotten the mentality of "when it's your time to die, you can't do anything about it". That's why they want to enjoy the now.

Yes You are saying right. When I was reading this content I was feeling like I am thinking itself. 
We can't change our behavior and it remains unchanged.
I think we forget about our expectations here. Whenever we expect anything else from others, if others do not fulfilled, it hurts alot and so that our behavior about these ups and downs changes and also affects our personality alot. 
Our future is more important than our present day happenings and its experiments. 
I think we should live our life in its limitations so You can live it more. 

It is better to be sad now so you can be happy in the future. The future will be forever but one thing that can be crazy is that we never can tell when that future will come so we should just try to be happy always even though there are things or challenges that may want to bring us down 

This is sadly the case in almost every nation nowadays. There is no point debating when we already know the answer. It’s sad!

Would they also try catching at our best? I think it must be mutual.