How to Defeat the 4 Enemies of a Happy Life

Jun 1, 2022
1 min read

Updated: Mar 25

When we stew in bitterness, we too become bitter. Anger, like a forest fire, burns up its own support. Understanding - and defeating - the four enemies of a happy life is one of the most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing.

Enemy 1: The Outer Enemy

People, institutions, and situations that mean to harm us. The antidote: love. To love someone is to want them to be happy - which removes the cause of enmity.

Enemy 2: The Inner Enemy

Anger, hatred, and fear. These feelings physically harm the body and separate us from everything that gives us joy. The antidote: patience - tolerant, insightful, and forgiving.

Enemy 3: The Secret Enemy

Our inner voice of self-preoccupation. Those who are self-centred experience only short, transient happiness. Those who are more selfless experience authentic, durable happiness - deep contentment and inner peace.

Enemy 4: The Super-Secret Enemy

Self-loathing and self-disgust. To do good and to be compassionate, kind, generous, and loving is what makes people happy. When we see ourselves doing worthwhile things, we see ourselves as worthwhile too.

All you need is love

Love is the single panacea for all Four Enemies. It defuses the Outer Enemy, defeats anger, overcomes self-preoccupation, and undoes self-loathing. Nothing is made worse by love - and there are a great many things that need more of it.