It's the age old question that's stumped many a philosopher.
What is the key to happiness?
While some may answer that there is none, I've come to a more Hedonistic conclusion. The key to happiness is the thing you most desire and the fulfillment of that desire.
And what is this thing that you desire the most?
One word: food.
In my opinion, food is the single most critical factor in human happiness and its fulfillment is a very common occurrence. It's commonality is far from diminishing the value of food, multiplies and increases satisfaction with every bite.
Our body even has a natural mechanism to let us know that we need another dose of happiness. Think of the last time you had something to eat. It (hopefully) couldn't have been more than a few hours ago. That moment you take a bite out of your long anticipated meal might be the textbook definition of pure joy and ecstasy.
You eat three meals a day and possibly two or three snacks in between. That's at least five different moments of your day where your hunger is satisfied and your endorphin levels are spiked. On top of that, you entire day revolves around food. You wake up and it's time for breakfast. It's 12:30 p.m. and you're on your lunch break. It's 3 p.m. and it's the perfect time for a mid-afternoon snack. And in between all these moments, you're either thinking about the food you just ate or about just how hungry you are.
Forget family, friends or significant others. There is no other thing that consistently satisfies and brings you contentment every day without fail. From that perfect post-workout smoothie to the ice-cold lemonade and watermelon on a hot summer day, nothing can match the satisfying relief food can bring to us.
That being said, the happiness we receive from food is exponentially multiplied when it is shared with others. Around the world and across cultures, people come together to share a meal not only to satisfy their hunger, but also to celebrate, connect and converse with each other. Food creates a community and brings joy at both the individual and communal level.
As one of the most basic human necessities, food elicits your survival in the stressful world you live in. Hunger is a systematic response to your body reaching the last reserves of your happiness. There's even a word for it: hanger. So go ahead and get that burger and order some fries and a shake with it while you're at it-- it's for your own good and the sake of others around you.
