Purpose: The purpose of this study is to react to COVID-19 and is intended to transcend the regular thoughts to deeper issues towards humanity and nature. This paper also extends further the article "pedagogy of life beyond extinction" published in the Journal for Multicultural Education. This paper continues this discussion by further inward reflections on the self and the search for ultimate happiness amid the current pandemic that emerged in 2020. The study focusses on a holistic perspective towards a pedagogy that extends further the previous article by focussing on issues of happiness, dialogue and self-awareness. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a reflective and exploratory, style that is an enabler for future research into a pedagogy that is focussed on humanity and nature. Findings: The conceptual paper explores a holistic perspective towards a pedagogy that considers issues of happiness, dialogue and self-awareness. Originality/value: This study's intention is to extend the notion of pedagogy that looks beyond educational institutions in seeking a wider understanding of humanity and nature. The concept of "pedagogy of life beyond happiness" is used as a way to understand levels of the "self" as a way to gain deeper self-awareness. This provides a lens for seeking ultimate happiness.