History Extra Podcast: "Happiness: History of an Emotion"
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Immediate Media
Guest: Historian Katy Barclay, Editor of the Routledge History of Happiness
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of the History Extra Podcast, produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, host Ellie Cawthorn delves into the intricate history of happiness as an emotion. Featuring historian Katy Barclay, one of the editors of the Routledge History of Happiness, the conversation explores how the understanding and pursuit of happiness have evolved from ancient times to the modern era.
Defining Happiness
Ellie Cawthorn (Host) opens the discussion by highlighting the challenge historians face when studying happiness, a seemingly universal yet profoundly subjective emotion.
Katy Barclay (Historian) responds:
"Happiness is slippery and it's also really boring because it turns out that when we study happiness, we tend to look at are you healthy, you know, are you wealthy, are you wise, are you well educated."
[02:00]
She emphasizes that historical studies often focus on practical markers of comfort—such as health and wealth—over the intrinsic feelings of joy or elation that constitute happiness.
Studying Emotions in History
When asked about the methodology of studying emotions like happiness, Barclay explains that emotions are ubiquitous in historical records through letters, diaries, art, and literature.
"Emotions are everywhere in the records. I mean, because I guess people talk about them a lot, they write about them."
[02:50]
She discusses how historians identify and interpret emotions by analyzing language and context, noting that some emotions are historically contingent and may lack direct modern equivalents.
The Evolution of Emotion Words
Barclay introduces the concept of emotions that no longer exist, such as apatheia—a medieval sin resembling a blend of boredom and depression.
"Apathyia... it's kind of an emotion that's kind of hard to explain because it doesn't exist anymore."
[04:24]
She explores how the language of emotions evolves, with words like "loneliness" emerging in the 19th century, reflecting changing societal concerns and cultural expressions of emotional states.
Happiness vs. Pleasure Across Cultures and Time
The conversation shifts to whether the pursuit of happiness is a universal human endeavor or a culturally constructed concept.
Barclay asserts:
"Lots of cultures are interested in the idea or the pursuit of happiness. Not every culture's convinced you can have it on Earth."
[07:00]
She contrasts Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, which may seek to transcend worldly happiness, with Abrahamic religions that associate happiness with an afterlife of joy and divine presence.
The Happiness Revolution
Barclay introduces the notion of the "happiness revolution", a shift during the 18th century where happiness became seen as an attainable goal through consumerism and personal agency.
"The happiness revolution... is a thing where we're suddenly saying, no, if you get a good job or you have a trade or you bring an income, you can have these nice luxuries that will make your life easy that's good and valuable, and we should not kind of shame it."
[10:50]
She connects this revolution to the American Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the right to pursue happiness, framing it as a civil liberty intertwined with economic prosperity.
Wealth and Happiness Through the Ages
Addressing the relationship between wealth and happiness, Barclay notes a historical skepticism towards pursuing wealth for its own sake.
"The classical Greeks... were very worried that people pursue wealth and actually don't look after the virtuous life."
[12:45]
She contrasts this with modern perspectives where luxury and comfort are often seen as legitimate paths to personal happiness, highlighting a shift in moral attitudes over time.
Maslow's Hierarchy and Basic Needs
The discussion touches on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, underscoring that attaining basic comforts and survival is a prerequisite for pursuing higher levels of happiness.
"If you live in circumstances which are very uncertain or you don't know what your future is... how do you find happiness when you can't see a future for yourself?"
[20:23]
Barclay acknowledges that while basic needs are essential, happiness also involves managing emotions and finding joy even amidst hardship.
Religion’s Role in Shaping Happiness
Barclay explores how religious beliefs have historically influenced people's paths to happiness.
"In some ways, happiness is absolutely critical to them. And in a very specific form, right. They're not just happy as in content or happy because they're comfortable."
[15:36]
She contrasts Buddhist aspirations to transcend worldly desires with Christian and Muslim visions of an afterlife filled with joy, where current practices and rituals aim to cultivate moments of elated happiness.
Healthy Habits as a Path to Happiness
Examining the role of healthy habits, Barclay points out the historical continuity in advice promoting moderation, exercise, and balanced living.
"They have been telling us the same thing for a thousand years, and we just don't listen... you need enough sleep, very important."
[16:47]
She notes that despite advances in science and varying opinions on specifics, the core principles of maintaining health have remained largely unchanged as a means to achieve happiness.
Luck and Happiness
The interplay between luck and happiness is discussed, highlighting the linguistic roots that link the two concepts.
"Happiness comes from luck... the word that they associate with happiness is also coming out of a root word for luck."
[18:04]
Barclay emphasizes that perceptions of luck have consistently influenced how people view their ability to attain happiness, acknowledging the unpredictability of life and its impact on personal well-being.
Family Life and Happiness
The podcast examines the historical emphasis on family as a cornerstone of happiness.
"Lots and lots of teaching about happiness has rooted it in the family so that it's a foundation of happiness."
[19:07]
Barclay discusses literary examples, such as Medieval literature, where a happy spouse is seen as essential to personal contentment. She also reflects on modern shifts where individual choices, like having children, play a nuanced role in one's pursuit of happiness.
Surprising Insights from the Routledge History of Happiness
Barclay shares insights from her edited volume, particularly focusing on youth in economically unstable regions, such as parts of Africa, where future uncertainty challenges traditional concepts of happiness.
"How do you find happiness when you can't see a future for yourself?... they're doing activities that allow them to not think about the future."
[20:23]
She highlights community activities, such as tea rituals, that foster present-moment happiness despite external hardships, offering a complex perspective on how happiness is navigated in different contexts.
Challenging the Progress Narrative
Addressing the common belief that happiness has increased over time, Barclay offers a nuanced view.
"If the thing that you are measuring is are people welfare and healthier, then that's probably true."
[22:44]
She acknowledges improvements in standard of living and healthcare but cautions against equating these solely with increased happiness. Barclay argues that emotional well-being is influenced by a myriad of factors, including future anxieties and societal pressures, making the happiness trajectory far from a simple upward trend.
Lessons from History for Personal Happiness
In a reflective conclusion, Barclay shares personal applications of historical insights into happiness.
"Recognize that life is long and complicated and there will be moments that are terrible and moments that are wonderful and joyful..."
[24:07]
She emphasizes the importance of perspective, gratitude, and emotional resilience, drawing inspiration from historical perseverance to maintain personal happiness despite challenges.
Conclusion
This episode of the History Extra Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of happiness through a historical lens. Katy Barclay provides insightful analysis on how happiness has been defined, pursued, and experienced across different cultures and epochs, challenging listeners to reconsider their own understanding of what it means to be happy.
For those interested in a deeper dive, Barclay's feature in the BBC History Magazine's Christmas 2024 issue and the Routledge History of Happiness are highly recommended.
Transcript credits: The above summary is based on a transcript provided by the user, excluding advertisements and non-content segments.