Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values.

I believe in objectivism. This idea of philosophy was introduce to me in a book that Ayn Rand wrote, The Fountainhead (1943). There are several concepts of objectivism, but the one that strikes to me is explained as man - every man - is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others. He must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life. Everyone strives for many things, but ultimately it should be for happiness. I think all acts and considerations should be in the benefit of yourself. This is your life and you should live it and do what you want with it. Your wants can conclude to serious consequences, but those are yours to deal with. Unless you enjoyed a life where terror and pain exists, all should strive for something non harmful to ourselves or each other. However, if that is what would make a person happy, then I suppose one would continue to follow that path of consequences. What is wrong with being selfish? Why should you have to make serious sacrifices and suffer for the better of someone else. Everyone else has the same chances to do what is need to be done to make their life their intuitive sight of happiness. I believe in survival of the fittest. Everyone is out competing against each other for another reason or other. There are many things in life I see myself competing for. Many things that other people are simply struggling with also like current jobs, a boy friend or girl friend, school, or future careers. Even though the economy might not be the best time right now, there is a great competitive atmosphere in the field of photography. There are times where I see myself helping others more in the dark room when I should be focusing on my own work, and helping myself in order to get my work done. Sure someone could argue I get a nice satisfaction about myself while helping people, but when it comes down to getting your grade back or critiques these feelings of “satisfaction” change. For me to not get credited for what I am capable of doing, while others get the benefit of what I helped them create is in my opinion, not fair. Therefore, to not think of others and solely of yourself when doing your work is perfectly okay. This is just one small example in a while range of situations. I think you should fight for the pursuit that could make you happy. Do not let other people tell you your ideas are wrong.