The Life Principles
The "Life Principles" is a curriculum developed by Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. It explores the unique nature and dignity of human beings and identifies four different ways in which persons can view meaning and purpose in life. These four viewpoints are referred to as the "four levels of happiness." In his book, Healing the Culture: A Commonsense Philosophy of Happiness, Freedom, and the Life Issues, Rev. Spitzer points out that:
The level of happiness we tend to live for will determine how we view success, what we mean by quality of life, what we think love is, how we interpret suffering, the system of ethics we live by, and how we understand freedom, rights, and the common good." (See pp. 62-63.)
Our primary mission at Healing the Culture is to help people move from Levels 1 and 2, to Levels 3 and 4, so that we can build a healthy culture that values all human life and seeks positive solutions to life's most difficult problems. The articles to the right, which summarize the chapters in Rev. Spitzer's book, will lead you through the levels of happiness and show you how they apply to the personal and cultural ideas and ideals which form our culture.
We encourage you to read these articles in the order they are listed. Please feel free to share these articles with others, and to email us with your thoughts, ideas, or stories.
Click for a FREE Four Levels of Happiness Commitment Card