Four Levels of Happiness

After deciding a possible grading system could be used i thought it might be good if the grading system could tie in with the level of happiness of the citizen in The Neighbourhood. I came across the 'Four Levels of Happiness' theory by Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Websites: Four Levels of Happiness

Explanation

The four levels consist of (in ascending order):

Level 1 - Laetus/Immediate Gratification

This is where we are when we are trying to feel better about ourselves and need a quick perk up.

Level 2 - Felix/Gratification Through Achievement

Using our talents to achieve goals create something good. This may over time lead to becominge fearful of failure, isolated, jealous, and cynical. Happiness becomes something to be worked at endlessly and after time the burden can become overwhelming.

Level 3 - Beatitudo/Gratification Through Contribution

We take our eyes off ourselves and serve others - taking the focus of ourselves and focus on being a part of a community. As we stop grasping happiness for ourselves it increases.

Level 4 - Sublime Beatitudo/Transcendent Gratification

The purpose that is greater than us, something worthy of our life, living for something that will outlast us, something that will contribute to many, many lives, not simply our own.

I feel these titles could be used to represent the different stages of happiness the citizens are at. All citizens strive to be happy at the highest level. Whether the Greek titles are used, abbreviated or even the Levels are used is yet to be decided, they could well sit beside numbers or initials for the names of the citizens.