In today's society exists the mindset that happiness is one of the most important life value of an individual. Numerous philosophers, artists and scientists were discusing happiness since ancient times, but never on such a scale and so intense as today. Despite a significant increase in researches and accessibility of informations on this subject, experts note that surprisingly large number of people are unhappy, and that the society experiences states of resignation, weariness, apathy and depression.
In diploma thesis construct of happiness is explored, which was formed in the post-modern society, based on the values of consumerism. Consumerism has exceeded its impact towards consumption and become a way of life, the meaning of functioning and a mode of individual self-expression; the formation of identity became tied to the consumption of goods and services. The desire for happiness is being transformed into a desire for immediate pleasure, which does not allow unplesant feelings. In that proces, it is forgotten that the individual's comprehensive development requires a whole range of emotions. It has however limited human experience to the extreme - happiness or unhappiness. In conclusion, there is dedicated space for social pedagogy, owning the knowledge of emotional processes and corresponding strategies, that can contribute to creation of more realistic concept of happiness.
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