The Principle of Conservation of Happiness - A concise introduction

Published by: H C, University of Life, Faculty of Logic, Department of Common Sense

Abstract: The universal laws of Physics state that the total amount of energy of the universe is fixed at any one instant. Energy cannot be destroyed, but it can be stored, and converted from one form to another. Einstein also proved that energy can be converted from mass, and vice versa. This paper argues on the same basis as the Principle of Conservation of Energy. It proposes that the total amount of happiness on Earth is fixed at any one point of time, and that mankind is not the only bearer of happiness, if happiness can be 'beared'. This means that if the global human population increases, the amount of happiness per capita will be reduced proportionately. The consequence of this is that a Malthusian perspective must be applied towards population growth. In order to secure the happiness of posterity, there is a moral imperative for mankind to work towards zero population growth today. Traditional ideas of the Vatican and contemporary ideas of certain governments must be abolished with immediate effect.



The global human population has been increasing throughout the years. The species homo sapiens first appeared in Africa in 7000BC, and its population stands at over 6 billion today. Despite technological breakthroughs and increased standard of living, the total amount happiness or quality of life may not have improved over this 9000 years. This is because the total amount of happiness of all living things on Earth is fixed. Happiness cannot be created, or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another.

Consider this: University applications, relationships between the sexes, elections. Whats the similarity between all 3 'systems'? IF we consider them to be isolated systems, they all contain a fixed amount of happiness within them. University applications? The people who are accepted by their dream schools are happy. Very happy. The people who are rejected will be unhappy. The sum of their happiness and unhappiness will equal a fixed amount of happiness. Relationships? For every couple who gets together, they will be happy, but only at that point in time. But across the world, for every couple that gets together, the happiness that they possess will be negated by the unhappiness that divorces, breakups and arguments are creating unhappiness at that point in time. In politics? The same argument applies. When Bush won, sure, the republicans celebrated, but their happiness was negated by the unhappiness that the democrats bore. Note that Al Gore actually won the popular vote. This means that a significant amount of unhappiness was present at that point in time. As time passes, the republican's joy died down, but the democrat's unhappiness also eased.

The amount of happiness at any one point in time is fixed.


[to be continued]