In the recent political discussions about the upcoming presidential elections, a new, concise word has taken center stage—one rarely seen in these contexts before: joy.
It all began on Tuesday, August 6th, at a packed Democratic rally in Philadelphia, where Kamala Harris introduced Tim Walz as her running mate. During his acceptance speech, the newly minted vice-presidential candidate thanked Kamala for “bringing back the joy” to the campaign. This word made such an impact that it was extensively used thereafter by journalists and political pundits, capturing how many spectators felt since the sudden shift at the top of the ticket.
To understand why a simple, common word like “joy” has surged to such prominence, we need to examine its meaning. What exactly is joy, and how does it differ from happiness? Happiness is often tied to external events, something good that happens to us—it’s fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is deeper and more enduring. One could even say that joy stems from higher principles, from achieving loftier goals. It can also convey a sense of relief when positive outcomes, previously feared as negative, exceed expectations.
The creation of joy has been the focus of a popular branch of psychology: Positive Psychology.
Grounded in the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within them, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play, Positive Psychology studies what contributes to a life of meaning, purpose, and well-being. These studies suggest that experiencing joy, connecting with others, and expressing gratitude are pillars of maintaining a healthy perspective on life. They may even lead to longer life expectancy, as joy has a positive impact on physical health. It is now known that many illnesses, from cancer to heart disease, can be triggered by the opposite of joy—the gloom and doom characteristic of depression, which weakens the immune system.
Joy, as a motivator of human behavior, is not new. Almost 200 years ago, it inspired Beethoven’s iconic Ninth Symphony and its triumphant finale, the “Ode to Joy.” This powerful, uplifting piece symbolizes hope, unity, and fellowship—all of which are concepts that resonate with political movements, providing the strength to look ahead constructively.
