Difference Between Happiness and Satisfaction

Happiness vs Satisfaction

 

Although the words happiness and satisfaction sound similar, there is a difference between these two words. In the English language, these words describe different states. The word happiness is used to describe the state of pleasure. Satisfaction can be defined as a state of contentment. Some believe that the words happiness and contentment are synonymous; hence they can be used interchangeably. It can be stated that within contentment one can find happiness. Through this article let us attempt to differentiate the two words.

What is Happiness?

As mentioned above, happiness can be defined as the state of bliss in the heart or the mind. Happiness is a subjective experience. Some people can be happy due to worldly acquisitions whereas others would prefer to define happiness as an intangible experience. A person can be made unhappy when aspire or desire for something more and fails to get what he needed more. This also results in the lack of satisfaction. Hence, some thinkers say that the loss of satisfaction does not bring about happiness in the mind of an individual.

For an example, a students who works extremely hard for an exam would be very happy if he achieves the results that he expected to get. However, if he fails to get this naturally, he feels unhappy.

What is Satisfaction?

Satisfaction can be defined as the state of contentment. Satisfaction can be gained in many ways. A person who does a good job or performs well feels satisfied with the fact that the completed the work the best he could. In Organizational psychology, job satisfaction is understood as a key factor for job performance. This highlights that satisfaction is a very important variable in the life of an individual.

One of the key differences between happiness and satisfaction is that satisfaction is enjoyed within whereas happiness is enjoyed with somebody else. If you are happy, then you tend to enjoy the experience with others. On the other hand, if you are satisfied you tend to enjoy the experience well within yourself. This is one of the main differences between happiness and satisfaction.

Another difference is that happiness can be measured whereas satisfaction cannot be measured. In other words, you can say that happiness pertains to the mortal experience whereas satisfaction pertains to the unworldly experience. If happiness also becomes unworldly, then you would become one with the Almighty. This is the basis tenet of the philosophy of monism. In several instances, the words happiness and satisfaction are interchanged.

What is the Difference Between Happiness and Satisfaction?

Definitions of Happiness and Satisfaction:

Happiness: Happiness can be defined as a state of pleasure.

Satisfaction: Satisfaction can be defined as a state of contentment.

Characteristics of Happiness and Satisfaction:

State:

Happiness: Happiness is a state of bliss.

Satisfaction: Satisfaction is a state of contentment

Loss:

Happiness: Happiness is lost when an individual fails to achieve something.

Satisfaction: Satisfaction is decreased when the individual cannot achieve something.

Enjoyment:

Happiness: Happiness is enjoyed with another.

Satisfaction: Satisfaction is enjoyed within.

Measurability:

Happiness: Happiness can be measured.

Satisfaction: Satisfaction cannot be measured.

 

Image Courtesy:

1. Colours of Happiness By Camdiluv ♥ from Concepción, CHILE (Colours) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2.”Filmation-1983” by Hope 4 future – Own work. [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons