For those looking for a work that inspires and evokes deep reflections on the nature of our desires and emotions, I cannot recommend enough Simon Coen's book, entitled «Waiting for happiness».
A captivating prologue
The young philosopher Simon Coen invites us to immerse ourselves in his work through an emotional and captivating prologue. In it, he shares a personal experience that connects us directly with the central theme of the book: expectation, the feelings evoked by unfulfilled desires and how these shape our perception of happiness.
Coen recounts how, before leaving home for an extended trip, he drew a familiar scene on a door covered in chalkboard paint. He depicted his mother-in-law's house in Amsterdam, a blue car and a yellow moon. This small gesture, born of nostalgia, transcended its initial purpose, becoming a symbol of his longing for family reunion.
This drawing became an object of reflection for Coen, leading him to formulate a powerful conclusion: No image or representation can fully encompass our desires. This concept is at the core of his book, a profound exploration of how desire itself, not its fulfillment, is what gives meaning and direction to our lives.
The philosophical approach to desire
Simon Coen draws on the teachings of figures such as Epicurus to develop his analysis. As this Greek philosopher stated, "Philosophy must be an instrument at the service of life." Coen transfers this idea to the realm of happiness, arguing that it is not the fulfillment of our desires that really matters, but the desire itself and the expectation that it generates in us.
En Other philosophical explorations on happiness, the value of the process of yearning is also highlighted. Coen, with elegant humor and an accessible approach, invites us to examine our daily lives, from the most trivial moments to those that define our relationships and aspirations. His reflections introduce a kind of «playful depth», combining personal observation and philosophy.
Small pleasures and everyday happiness
One of the great virtues of «Waiting for happiness» is its ability to show us that true happiness often lies in the small everyday pleasuresFrom interacting with our family to contemplating common objects, every moment has the potential to become a discovery.
Coen also reflects on how memories and their symbols, such as his farewell chalk drawing, preserve traces of our past desires. By observing these memories, we understand that the emotions we expected to experience are often more intense in our imagination than in lived reality. This perspective leads us to value the process of longing itself, rather than focusing solely on the end goal.
An award-winning work comparable to great authors
Simon Coen received the prestigious Socrates Prize for this work, recognizing him as one of the most brilliant philosophers of his generation. His original and insightful approach places him in the line of authors such as André Comte-Sponville ("A short treatise on great virtues"), Alain de Botton ("The consolations of philosophy") and Philiph Delerm ("The first sip of beer and other small pleasures").
Coen's style is accessible and relatable, using personal stories to address deep themes such as spirituality, the relationship between desire and religion, and the connection between neuroscience and our emotions. This approach has allowed him to earn a prominent place in contemporary thought.
Where to buy “Waiting for Happiness”?
This book is available for purchase on various platforms, such as Planeta de Libros. In addition, you can choose to participate in contests that will be announced soon and where copies of the book will be given away.
Regardless of your choice, we encourage you to delve into this work to discover a new way of interpreting your desires and connecting deeply with the moments that make life special.
Reading it will not only make you reflect on the meaning of happiness, but it will also teach you how to find it in unexpected places, demonstrating that waiting and longing are, in themselves, paths to fulfillment.