阅读理解
Are you happy? Do you remember a time when you were happy? Are you seeking happiness today?
Many have sought a variety of sources for their feelings of happiness. Some have put their heart and
effort into their work. Too many have turned to drugs and alcohol. Most of their efforts have a root in
one common fact: People are looking for a lasting source of happiness.
Unfortunately, I believe that happiness escapes mostly because they misunderstand the process and
journey of finding it. I have heard many people say that, "I'll be happy when I get my new promotion."
or "I'll be happy when I earn that extra 20 pounds." The list goes on and on. You probably have a few
of your own you could add if you want.
This thinking is dangerous because it presupposes that happiness is a "response" to having, being or
doing something. In life, we all experience stimulus and response. Stimulus is when a dog barks at you
and bares his teeth. Response is when your heart beats faster, your palms get sweaty and you prepare to
run. Today, some people think that an expensive car is a stimulus. Happiness is a response. A great
paying job is a stimulus. Happiness is a response. A loving relationship is a stimulus. Happiness is a
response. This belief leaves us thinking and feeling: "I'll be happy when…
It has been my finding that actually the opposite is true. I believe that happiness is a stimulus and
response is what life brings to those who are truly happy. When we are happy, we tend to have more
success in our work. When we are happy, people want to be around us and enjoy loving relationships.
When we are happy, we more naturally take better care of our bodies and enjoy good health. Happiness
is NOT a response - rather, it is a stimulus.
Happiness is a conscious choice we make every day of our lives. For unknown reason to me, many
choose to be painful, unsuccessful and angry most of the time. Happiness is not something that happens
to us after we get something we want - we usually get things we want AFTER we choose to be happy.
I have made only one simple rule for my own happiness: Every day above ground is a GOOD day.
Therefore, I tend to have a lot of good (and happy) days continually.
1. The second paragraph mainly tells us that people seek happiness_______.
A. in the same way
B. in different ways
C. by working hard
D. by taking drugs
2. What does the underlined phrase "This thinking" refer to?
A. The thinking of being promoted.
B. The giving up of happiness.
C. The process and journey of finding happiness.
D. The misunderstanding of happiness.
3. The underlined word "stimulus" in para.4 probably means_______.
A. something causes an action
B. something helps to expand
C. attention
D. improvement
4. The purpose of the author in writing this passage is to________.
A. tell people how to enjoy happiness
B. encourage people to seek happiness
C. express his attitude towards happiness
D. criticize the wrong ideas about happiness
