Forget walkable cities and bike lanes; it's time we consider that happiness sometimes requires a journey further afield. "Do sreće daleko, do Boga visoko" is a saying rooted in Serbian culture that means "Happiness is far, God is high." It's a phrase offering a not-so-simple lesson in life's real priorities. This adage suggests that while material satisfaction and happiness may appear distant, the divine, or achieving a higher moral ground, is even more of a lofty pursuit. It's a truth that harks back to age-old wisdom, one that puts a conservative twist on what really matters. In a society overwhelmed with instant gratification, immediate feedback loops, and so-called progressive ideals, this traditional saying stands as a reminder that some things are worth striving for, even if they are not reached overnight.
Let's unpack why this is exactly the kind of guidance that sets off alarm bells for those clinging to liberal ideals of quick fixes and easy solutions. First up, hard choices are often the path to lasting happiness. In a world overly addicted to convenience and creature comforts, we're frequently sold the idea that satisfaction is just a gadget or trend away. But true fulfillment—a state of happiness—is something much deeper. It's not found in the latest tech or next vacation; it's earned through a commitment to ideals and values that demand effort and sacrifice. So yes, happiness is far because it's built on something stable.
Secondly, stop believing that every desire demands immediate attention. Life isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet where after every serving, you can grab more at a whim. The modern obsession with instant gratification is nothing less than a societal sugar high. What if we started focusing more on what's truly rewarding, even if it requires stepping outside of our comfort zone to seek it? Wouldn't this approach build a more robust, patient, and—dare we say it—happier existence?
Third, liberalism argues that material choices define happiness. What is wealth? Money, houses, cars, and college degrees? Or is it spiritual wealth—integrity, family cohesion, and a life lived according to true values? This saying confronts the zeitgeist of today by elevating spiritual pursuits over material ones. It's a message that strikes at the heart of consumer culture with its endless cycles of buying and spending. Wouldn't you rather strive for a kind of wealth that doesn’t depreciate with the market or fade when fads change?
Fourth, “Do sreće daleko, do Boga visoko” emphasizes the high and sometimes challenging pursuit of faith. In many conservative viewpoints, God represents an absolute moral authority—a set of standards against which we measure our lives. Liberals rush to claim that faith is restrictive, a barrier to individual choice. Quite the opposite. Faith, pursued earnestly, brings freedom to one's spirit because it's a compass that consistently points toward true north.
Fifth, don't settle for a watered-down moral code. The phrase underscores a commitment to personal growth through challenges and tests. This isn’t merely old-fashioned paperweights for your coffee table philosophy books; rather, it’s material commitment to claims of value. Delayed gratification pays dividends down the line, not because it takes longer but because the journey adds meaning.
Sixth, in conservative values, community is built on shared purpose and patience. While the saying nudges at personal happiness, it's also a reminder of collective upliftment. This is the antithesis of "my truth" culture—it's about "our truth," shared and mutually acknowledged. These collective bonds form stronger, more durable communities that aren’t easily torn apart by the winds of immediate self-interest.
Seventh, it's simply more honest to admit that human pursuits can’t always be easy or immediately rewarding. By accepting that happiness and faith are worthy pursuits requiring effort, we promote accountability and discipline, values often discarded in today's "anything goes" mentality.
Eighth, rediscovering the beauty of effort in pursuit of happiness nudges us, conservatives, into rejecting the perpetual victimhood mentality. "Oh, but I can’t because..." If happiness is far, then lace up your boots. The reward isn’t in whining or surrendering to circumstances but in overcoming them.
Ninth, it’s a counter-cultural love letter championing enduring faith and loyalty. Faith and trust aren’t dummy lights for the journey; they are the fuel that powers the trip.
And for the tenth, this saying encourages an embrace of one’s faith as essential, even as society yells that only what’s easily visible counts. The height of faith isn’t a ladder to climb just for kicks—it's a foundation to build upon as you aim ever higher.
The wisdom embedded in "Do sreće daleko, do Boga visoko" is a wake-up call. It's compelling us to climb higher, strive further, and in so doing, discover a deeper and truer happiness. Because, really, isn't the conservative journey all about embracing the courageous aspects of what it means to be human? So while happiness may be far, and God may indeed be high, ain't that the point?