PBS' 'This Emotional Life': Larry David On Happiness

Larry David has a unique take on happiness. Hear more from others, including America Ferrera, Chevy Chase and Alanis Morissette at This Emotional Life.

Comments

[Serene99]

06:39 AM on 01/08/2010

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

[PentaxKilla]

08:21 PM on 01/07/2010

I can attest to what he says. It is specifically the point of view of an American man living in modern America, but there is plenty of truth to it.

[beyondpetty]

03:50 PM on 01/07/2010

Larry, you are obviously joking.. right?

[linguistic256]

10:38 PM on 01/05/2010

Honestly I think his analysis is more or less uninformative bunk. His oversimplification of happiness reminds me of Aristotle's theories on happiness, in which he basically implies that one has to be perfect in every way to be happy. At some point one has to make do with what one has or can potentially achieve.

It's a little obvious and unhelpful to imply that if one is unhappy with one's job, house, and sex life (insert other major sources of happiness here if you will), then one is unhappy.

Sure, while pretending that you'll live after death might be fun for some people, living in "the matrix" probably would appeal to many as well. If that's all one wants in terms of happiness, then go for it.

I really hope Larry David and others elaborated more in this show on how to actually go about achieving happiness, other than trying to make yourself believe in something or just not being in the same crappy situation you're in already.

[shuffleoff]

10:39 AM on 01/05/2010

Aw c'mon Larry...look at doggys! They can be happy without a job, sex and a nice place to live! We need to spend more time with our furry friends and watch how they live life! Then we can all be happy!!! :)

[jer9848]

05:02 AM on 01/05/2010

I have learned in my old age that being happy is a choice.You can look at the flowers or you can look at the weeds in your life.It is your choice.No one elses.Never let anyone take that choice away.

[skippyB]

11:32 PM on 01/04/2010

Go for it Larry.

I have to love this guy because he brings my life so much happiness. Before Larry I didn't have Larry David moments - harmless cringing moments when life can seem absurd, then is very very funny.
Larry reminds me to be grateful that I get to experience the human condition and the many twists.

[OtayPanky]

09:13 PM on 01/04/2010

Move over, Aristotle.

[rini]

08:47 PM on 01/04/2010

FIrst of all, happiness advice from Larry David?

really.

Secondly, perhaps religion would make me happier, but I would also have to be dumber in order to believe it.

[linguistic256]

10:26 PM on 01/05/2010

Agreed.

I find myself happier now that I don't have a religion, simply because it teaches one to accept the world as it is and strive to make it better instead of leading one to be ashamed and disappointed at how it doesn't live up to some unrealistic ideal. I don't think you have to be less intelligent to believe in religion--only less rational, and rationality gives me a sense of comfort that I can deal with the world as it is, instead of deluding myself into believing that prayer works. Honestly, if anything religion might make people happy in the same way that denial makes people happy. Some people might be happier with religion, but I'd rather not live in semi-blissful ignorance, or denial.

[alex343]

06:58 PM on 01/04/2010

Brilliant analysis! If you're not happy with your job, your sex life and your home then you are not happy. In other words, if you are not happy you are not happy.

If you read between the lines, I guess his point is a critique of the idea that psychology, yoga, or positive beliefs are going to help you be happy because it really just comes down to what you're doing with your time.

It really comes down to the question of whether happiness is about the percentage of your time you're in a positive state or whether its something less quantifiable. I think it's the latter.

You can love the job, come home to your mansion, and have great sex, but what counts is how you feel when everything stops and you're all alone with yourself.

[LindyK]

05:22 PM on 01/04/2010

Larry says it like it is, although I would not say his is a "unique" view, as many understand the relationship between religion and happiness. But Larry always frames it in such an engaging way!

[Truetuft]

04:33 PM on 01/04/2010

Interesting stuff. So, Larry outlines it: 1. A belief in an afterlife (not necessarily a religion), 2. A home or apartment that you like and is pleasing to you. This has more to do with an attitude than having expensive things, 3. Sexual satisfaction. This is much more complex that the 2 words I wrote. It has to do with partnership, getting and giving, and emotions; especially the ability to let yourself experience joy.

I think he leaves out food because, if you are in starvation or dehydrated, then you can't have great sex. Hunger robs a person of much sexual energy and desire.

[Dukedraven]

04:23 PM on 01/04/2010

I think he got half the equation right. People can have everything and still be miserable. Of course, you can be poor and unhappy. No matter what, I believe a person can rise above his unfortunate circumstances and find contentment. I use this word over happiness because I don't know anyone who's happy all the time. I'm sure there are a few happy gurus out there somewhere. I'm reluctant to put things in absolute terms like Larry David.

[berrycooda]

04:19 PM on 01/04/2010

Sorry to disappoint you, but everybody can't have a job they like.
Most jobs are filled by "need" by the employer and the employee.

Religious people do have a hope that non-religious people don't have....
It is called faith in God and the belief that comes with it.
We believe in an after life...and also that everybody will be judged.

However.....definition of an Atheist when they die.....
They are all dressed up with no place to go...

So, once again....Just because you are fortunate to have the "job"
you have.....Thank God for your blessings.

[lightbulb10]

03:49 PM on 01/04/2010

I don't watch Curb Your Enthusiasm since they cut off, and even then sporadically, but...

He rarely looks happy...

[Hehlol]

12:37 PM on 01/05/2010

I wonder if it's similar to all the comedians who play very happy-go-lucky people in their parts but are very reclusive, private, somber people in their day to day lives - LD is the opposite. In his show he's miserable, but only someone who is inherently happy would be able to do what he's done. I think the reason he plays such a good miser is because he knows he can retreat back to his real world happiness. Clearly a truly miserable human being wouldn't see the humor he sees.

So yes, you're right, in the TV show he rarely looks happy because it's an act - a part - a performance.