XII English STBB - Unit # 3 - CONQUEST OF HAPPINESS BY BERTRAND RUSSELL

PDF XII English Book STBB

Exercise 02

Write the meaning of the following words.

1. distinguished – very successful, respected, and admired for excellence – ممتاز، معزز

2. content – satisfied; feeling that one has enough and does not want more – مطمئن، قانع

3. blight – a disease that damages plants; something that spoils or harms – آفت، بربادی

4. flint – a very hard stone used to produce sparks; symbol of toughness – چقماق پتھر، سخت مزاجی کی علامت

5. craving – a strong and intense desire for something – شدید خواہش، طلب

6. inanimate – not alive; lifeless, without spirit – بے جان، غیر ذی روح

7. obscure – not well known; unclear; difficult to understand – غیر معروف، مبہم

8. fascination – strong attraction, interest, or charm – دلکشی، مسحور کن دلچسپی

9. fads – short-lived trends or practices – وقتی شوق، عارضی رجحان

Exercise 05:

Answer the following questions after reading the text.

1. According to the author, why do scientists often experience deep satisfaction in their work?

Scientists often experience deep satisfaction because their work makes full use of their abilities and talents, giving them a strong sense of purpose. Science is an ever-advancing field, and scientists feel happiness in knowing that they are contributing to progress that benefits society. Even when the public does not fully understand their discoveries, scientists still find joy in their work because it is valued and respected. According to the author, this combination of meaningful work, social recognition, and personal fulfillment makes scientists some of the happiest people.

2. How does the element of constructiveness bring happiness in the work?

The element of constructiveness brings happiness because it allows people to create something that lasts beyond their immediate effort. Constructive work provides continuity, leading from one accomplishment to another without reaching a final end. The author emphasizes that building brings more joy than destroying because it gives a sense of progress and creation. People who dedicate themselves to constructive goals feel a deeper satisfaction, while those who indulge in destruction or hatred lose this joy. Constructive work also helps to overcome negative emotions and fills life with purpose.

3. What role do hobbies play in the author's broader view of a happy life? What is your own hobby?

According to the author, hobbies play a vital role in maintaining balance and joy in life. They provide relaxation when one feels stuck in serious or demanding work and allow individuals to experience simple pleasures that are often neglected in adulthood. Hobbies such as gardening, music, cooking, or collecting things give people a sense of fascination and joy, even if these are not sources of lasting happiness. They help reduce stress and make life richer. My own hobby is (insert: e.g., reading novels, playing cricket, painting, etc.), and it helps me to refresh my mind and regain energy after a busy day.

4. If you were to apply the author's ideas to your own life, what changes would you consider making in your daily routine or mind-set?

If I applied the author’s ideas, I would try to broaden my interests and look at both people and things with friendliness rather than hostility. I would value constructive work more, focusing on activities that build rather than waste time. I would also give more importance to hobbies as a way of finding comfort and happiness in simple joys. In terms of mindset, I would avoid possessive or controlling attitudes toward others and instead support them in their pursuits. These changes would help me feel more balanced, purposeful, and happy in everyday life.

5. What kind of interest in persons causes happiness and what causes unhappiness?

The author explains that happiness comes from having a friendly and natural interest in people. This means enjoying their qualities, supporting them, and liking them without trying to control or demand admiration. Such an attitude spreads kindness and creates good companionship. On the other hand, unhappiness arises when interest in others is possessive, demanding, or craving constant attention. This controlling behavior often leads to dissatisfaction and broken relationships. Therefore, a genuine and friendly interest in people leads to happiness, while selfish or possessive interest results in unhappiness.

6. Why is interest in impersonal things necessary for the happiness of human beings?

Interest in impersonal things is necessary because it gives people the ability to forget personal worries and return to life with greater peace of mind. For example, when someone develops a genuine interest in history, astronomy, or geology, they escape from their daily troubles and experience calmness. Such interests also provide a sense of wonder and broaden a person’s outlook on life. Although not as crucial as friendliness toward people, interest in impersonal things still adds balance, refreshes the mind, and contributes to lasting happiness.

7. In your opinion, is happiness more dependent on internal attitude or external circumstances? Explain.

In my opinion, happiness depends more on internal attitude than on external circumstances. A positive and constructive mindset allows a person to find joy even in difficulties, while a negative attitude can make life unhappy even in favorable conditions. The author also stresses that friendliness toward people and interest in things are key internal qualities that spread joy. External circumstances such as wealth, fame, or recognition may influence happiness for a short time, but without the right attitude, they cannot provide lasting peace. Therefore, true happiness is created from within by cultivating positive thoughts, friendly behavior, and constructive interests.

Summary

Title: Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell

This lesson explains different sources of happiness in human life. According to the author, scientists are often among the happiest people because their work is meaningful, makes use of their talents, and benefits society. True satisfaction, however, does not only come from fame or recognition but from enjoying one’s skills and work.

Russell emphasizes that the element of constructiveness is the most powerful source of happiness. Creating or building something lasting gives a deeper sense of joy than destroying or hating. Constructive work also helps in overcoming negative emotions.

The author also highlights the importance of hobbies. Simple activities such as gardening, music, art, or collecting stamps provide relaxation, refresh the mind, and make life more enjoyable. Though fads and temporary trends bring only short-term pleasure, hobbies play a vital role in maintaining balance and happiness.

Another key idea is the importance of having a friendly interest in people. Happiness comes from liking others naturally, appreciating their qualities, and supporting them without control or possessiveness. On the other hand, demanding or selfish attitudes lead to unhappiness.

Finally, Russell stresses the value of showing interest in impersonal things such as history, astronomy, or geology. These interests allow people to forget personal worries for a time and return with calmness and peace of mind.

In conclusion, the secret of happiness is to broaden one’s interests as much as possible and to respond to both people and things in a friendly rather than hostile way.

خلاصہ (اردو)

(یہ خلاصہ طلبہ کی بہتر سمجھ بوجھ کے لیے دیا گیا ہے)

اس سبق میں خوشی کے مختلف ذرائع بیان کیے گئے ہیں۔ برٹرینڈ رسل کے مطابق سائنس دان سب سے زیادہ خوش رہتے ہیں کیونکہ ان کا کام بامقصد ہوتا ہے، ان کی صلاحیتوں کے مطابق ہوتا ہے اور دوسروں کے لیے فائدہ مند بھی ثابت ہوتا ہے۔ اصل خوشی شہرت میں نہیں بلکہ اپنے ہنر اور کام سے حقیقی لطف لینے میں ہے۔

مصنف کے نزدیک خوشی کا سب سے بڑا ذریعہ "تعمیر" اور "تخلیق" ہے۔ نئی چیزیں بنانا یا مثبت کام کرنا زیادہ سکون دیتا ہے بہ نسبت کسی چیز کو تباہ کرنے کے۔ تعمیری سرگرمیاں منفی جذبات پر قابو پانے میں بھی مدد دیتی ہیں۔

مشاغل بھی زندگی میں سکون اور خوشی پیدا کرتے ہیں۔ جیسے باغبانی، موسیقی، مصوری یا ڈاک ٹکٹ جمع کرنا۔ یہ دلچسپیاں انسان کے ذہن کو تازہ کرتی ہیں اور زندگی کو متوازن بناتی ہیں، جب کہ وقتی رجحانات صرف عارضی خوشی فراہم کرتے ہیں۔

انسانی تعلقات میں خوشی صرف اس وقت حاصل ہوتی ہے جب دوسروں میں بے غرض دلچسپی لی جائے، ان کی خوبیوں کو سراہا جائے اور ان کی مدد کی جائے۔ قابو پانے یا بے جا مطالبات کرنے والا رویہ ناخوشی پیدا کرتا ہے۔

غیر جاندار چیزوں میں دلچسپی لینا بھی ضروری ہے، جیسے تاریخ، فلکیات اور ارضیات۔ یہ دلچسپیاں وقتی طور پر ذاتی مسائل بھلا دیتی ہیں اور ذہنی سکون عطا کرتی ہیں۔

خلاصہ: خوشی کا اصل راز یہ ہے کہ انسان اپنی دلچسپیوں کو وسیع کرے اور لوگوں اور چیزوں کے ساتھ دوستانہ رویہ اختیار کرے۔ یہی رویہ دیرپا اور حقیقی خوشی کا ذریعہ ہے۔