How Our Surroundings Shape Happiness

The seasons here in Northern Virginia are the same as in Korea. The 24 solar terms of Korea also apply here. With the start of “Lichu” on August 7, we’ve entered autumn. During Lichu, while it’s still hot during the day, early-morning temperatures are noticeably cooler. Today is September 7, “Baekro,” marking the true onset of autumn. Here in Northern Virginia, too, the morning and evening temperatures have turned cooler. In August, I only noticed a difference in early-morning temperatures, but in September, I truly feel the change. The workings of nature cannot be understood or analyzed by the human mind. Nature belongs to the realm of “God.”

Another aspect of the environment surrounding humans is society. My destiny can change depending on the society in which I live. In Korea, society is hierarchical, rigid, and highly concerned with what others think. In contrast, American society is centered on the “self.” It is a society that rejects “conformity.” It is a society that allows people to do what they enjoy rather than worrying about what others think.

For example, American professors don’t have the same authority as their Korean counterparts, nor do they earn the high salaries of those in the private sector, but they do their research simply because they love it. In contrast, professors in Korea seem to do their work less because they enjoy the research and more because they value the social status and authority that come with the position. Therefore, the society in which I live can either be an environment that fosters my growth or one that makes me feel like an outcast. Those who are well-suited to the Korean social environment will thrive, while those who aren’t will find it burdensome.

That’s why sociologists are broadly divided into two schools of thought: one that argues humans shape their social environment and systems, and another that maintains social environments and systems determine human lives. The environment around us is difficult to change easily. However, the good news is that while the natural environment is in God’s domain and beyond our control, the social environment is within human agency, so we can change it. That’s why I believe both perspectives are correct.

I believe that while we are subject to these influences, we also have the power to change them. I feel that our society is changing. These days, it’s said that the younger generation in our country wants to do what they love rather than just make money. I believe that someday our society will become more egalitarian, where people can do what they love without worrying about what others think. And it’s okay not to get married or have children.

We’re happiest when we do what “I” want to do.

09/18/2020 by Dr. Lan Joo