Innehållsförteckning
1. Give an account of what makes people happy and what does not, as expressed in the three texts (400 words).
2. Taking your starting point in one of the texts discuss whether or not technology leads to more happiness (300 – 400 words).

Utdrag
At this moment, I find myself entangled in the notion that the latest iPhone 6s could usher in unparalleled bliss into my life, reminiscent of the time when I held similar aspirations for my iPhone 5s.

In retrospect, the initial euphoria surrounding the iPhone 5s swiftly waned, and I soon assimilated into the ranks of iPhone 5s owners, hardly standing out in my happiness.

This phenomenon is hardly unique to me; it appears to be a shared human experience. Many individuals harbor the belief that acquiring the latest car, smartphone, or any new gadget on the market will elevate their happiness levels.

This form of fleeting happiness finds resonance in James Surowiecki's article "Technology and Happiness," which posits that despite technological advancements, our overall happiness remains largely unchanged since 1946.

These three texts each offer distinct insights into the multifaceted nature of happiness.

Another facet of happiness surfaces when one successfully attains a long-cherished goal. In Tal Ben-Shahar's "The Question of Happiness," an adolescent boy dedicates five years to his championship dreams, ultimately triumphing.

However, as time passes, his elation dwindles, and desolation takes root. This narrative aligns with the notion that happiness is often transient, irrespective of one's accomplishments, leaving us pondering the elusive nature of true happiness.

A common thread running through these articles is the realization that happiness is ephemeral, whether achieved through the pursuit of goals or the acquisition of the latest novelties.

In both cases, the quest for genuine and enduring happiness remains elusive, prompting a quest for a deeper understanding of its essence.

Michael Crichton's "Happiness," the third article, offers an alternative perspective. It characterizes happiness as a feeling familiar to us all, often overlooked in the moment but discernible in retrospect.

Crichton argues that we frequently miscalculate the sources of our happiness, fixating on external achievements like relationships, degrees, marriages, or promotions, only to discover that they don't guarantee lasting contentment.