Happiness is Selflessness

Mark Fischler was 24 when he woke up and had the epiphany that he was self-absorbed and ungrateful. He was not appreciative of all that life had given him. He wanted to change that.

Fischler, the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department and an Associate Professor, shared his story on Tue., Oct. 29^th to a group of students for the first forum in the new PED Talk series on campus.

The PED Talk series is Plymouth State University's spin on the popular TED Talk series that originated in California. The PED Talk series will feature presentations on topics ranging from the meaning of life, to motivation and purpose.

Fischler shared his story about combating narcissism wanting to awaken others to the selfishness that plagues everyone. "I see us all, adults and college students, suffering from it to different degrees," said Fischler. "In this day and age, the focus on materialism in our culture makes it really difficult to not be so narcissistic."

This reliance on material things and money is one topic highlighted in Fischler's PED Talk. "There is a different way. There is a way that will give more happiness and meaning," said Fischler.  Attachment to material things feeds the selfishness he sees in society. Quoting the Prophet Muhammad, "It's difficult for a person laden with riches to climb the steep path that leads to bliss," said Fischler.

Living in a society that worships wealth and status, it can be difficult to live a contemplative lifestyle and avoid reliance on material things. "If you deeply realize that those things don't bring happiness and doesn't end suffering in your life, you can build an existence that isn't based on those things," said Fischler.

"I see my two-year-old daughter, 'What kind of culture is she growing up in?' I see it as my duty as her guide....to try to develop these long lasting deeper understandings and values," said Fischler.

Ideals he talked about and wants to instill in his daughter are to cultivate gratitude and love in life, develop a quiet mind, and always give 100%.  "It's not easy because not everyone really understands. I didn't really understand at one point in life either," said Fischler. "There is no reason to half-ass it, especially with the impermanence of everything. There are two things we know in life: we're going to die and we don't know when."

Students are driven to colleges across the country looking to improve their chances of getting a high-paying job. Motivated by the potential of large paychecks, students work hard in school to make money. Fischler thinks this is not the lens students should look through. "The true purpose of a liberal arts education is to try and grasp the deeper meanings of life," said Fischler. "If [the] endgame is to just make money and just about getting a job that pays well....that path is not going to create happiness."

Fischler was grateful for all those that came, thought the PED Talk went well, and wants students to know the door is always open for further discussion. He wanted his PED Talk to awaken people to the self-centered culture of the world and begin to try and change it. Reaching out to others and feeling empathy towards them is a good place to start. "We're all connected," said Fischler. "We just don't see the glue."