Library of Happiness Models and Their Values
A review of philosophical, religious and scientific models of happiness, and the values that each places at the center of life.
I. Philosophical
Eudaimonism / Self-actualization
Values: Excellence, Growth, Wisdom, Justice, Moderation, Courage, Authenticity, Curiosity, Exploration
Hedonism
Values: Pleasure, Peace, Moderation, Freedom from fear, Comfort, Satisfaction, Relaxation, Humor/Lightness, Adventure
Stoicism
Values: Reason, Resilience, Self-discipline, Acceptance, Peace, Perseverance, Self-control, Courage, Risk, Truth
Utilitarianism / Common good
Values: Justice, Altruism, Utility, Social impact, Empathy, Responsibility, Community
II. Religious and spiritual
Buddhism
Values: Mindfulness, Compassion, Non-attachment, Wisdom, Patience, Peace, Empathy, Gratitude, Humility
Christianity
Values: Love, Humility, Forgiveness, Hope, Community, Virtue, Fidelity, Equality, Tolerance, Gratitude, Humility
Hinduism
Values: Harmony, Duty, Balance, Spirituality, Patience, Obedience, Self-awareness, Aesthetics, Beauty
Judaism
Values: Justice, Righteousness, Community, Memory, Tradition, Responsibility, Morality, Clarity, Space
III. Scientific and psychological
Positive psychology (PERMA)
Values: Relationships, Meaning, Growth, Optimism, Engagement, Achievement, Satisfaction, Curiosity, Exploration
Self-determination theory (SDT)
Values: Autonomy, Competence, Belonging, Freedom, Mastery, Independence, Closeness
Flow
Values: Mastery, Focus, Practice, Creativity, Engagement, Passion, Satisfaction, Curiosity, Exploration
Happiness economics / Wellbeing
Values: Security, Stability, Comfort, Balance, Health, Peace, Predictability
Resilience / Psychological resilience
Values: Resilience, Adaptation, Flexibility, Perseverance, Self-awareness, Optimism, Emotional control
IV. Existential
Existentialism
Values: Freedom, Responsibility, Authenticity, Meaning, Courage, Self-awareness, Independence, Truth
V. Humanistic
Humanistic psychology / Humanism
Values: Authenticity, Growth, Acceptance, Self-expression, Creativity, Self-actualization, Growth
VI. Contemporary and civilizational
Success / achievement model
Values: Ambition, Effectiveness, Achievement, Influence, Initiative, Vision, Determination
Consumer / material model
Values: Status, Wealth, Comfort, Convenience, Security, Possession, Social position
Relational / bonding model
Values: Closeness, Love, Support, Trust, Community, Family, Friendship
Minimalism / simplicity model
Values: Simplicity, Clarity, Mindfulness, Harmony, Reducing chaos, Space, Focus, Beauty, Aesthetics
VII. Psychological classics
Jung: Individuation
Values: Authenticity, Shadow integration, Intuition, Self-awareness, Harmony, Meaning in life, Inner development
Maslow: Hierarchy of needs
Values: Self-actualization, Respect, Security, Love, Belonging, Health, Achievement
Rogers: Fully functioning person
Values: Acceptance, Authenticity, Empathy, Growth, Openness, Creativity, Self-acceptance
Frankl: Logotherapy
Values: Meaning in life, Responsibility, Freedom, Hope, Authenticity, Overcoming suffering, Individual worth
Seligman: Extended positive psychology
Values: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement, Optimism, Satisfaction
Erikson: Stages of psychosocial development
Values: Identity, Closeness, Initiative, Competence, Integration, Growth, Fidelity to self