Final answer:
Optimal happiness is often a moderate level, balancing satisfaction and motivation, and is influenced by cultural values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of optimal happiness and its correlation with future income and highest level of education can be complex, as it intertwines psychological and economic theories. The moderate level of happiness may be deemed optimal because it balances aspirations and satisfaction. Excessive happiness might lead to complacency, reducing motivation to achieve higher education or income, while too little happiness can demotivate and lead to poorer life outcomes.
Cultural differences also play a significant role in the definition of optimal happiness. In some cultures, such as those that emphasize collectivism over individualism, the optimal level of happiness might be lower as collective harmony and societal duties are prioritized. Conversely, in cultures where individual success and accomplishment are celebrated, a higher optimal level of happiness might be encouraged.
John Stuart Mill's differentiation between higher and lower pleasures suggests that engaging in activities that utilize our higher faculties—those which fulfill intellectual and social aspects—may foster a more profound sense of happiness that contributes more significantly to our well-being compared to lower, sensory pleasures. Thus, this might explain why moderate levels of happiness, rooted in balanced life experiences that include pursuit of knowledge and social engagement, could be more conducive to positive long-term income and education outcomes.