We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.We have the right to pursue happiness, but can happiness be pursued? Americans have had 232 years to pursue happiness, and we have perfected and improved many things over the years, but the pursuit of happiness is not one of them.
Why is the pursuit of Happiness an inalienable right from our Creator, and not Happiness itself?
What is happiness? Bliss? Joy? Or does one have to be content to be happy? If one desires change, are they happy? If one questions, are they happy?
Does the pursuit of happiness ruin the ability to achieve it? If being content is a measure of happiness, then it would seem that pursuit could prevent happiness from being achieved. Happiness is a logical concept, and concepts change over time. It is kind of like moving the goal posts. The longer one pursues something the lessor chance of success. Yet if happiness is quickly and easily achieved, then why are not more people happy?
As happiness is an emotion, how can it last, as emotions fade. If happiness is tied to a physical object or a person, what happens when that changes or grows old, as it must. Does this mean happiness cannot last? Is happiness ever worthwhile if it is just temporary? Is happiness worthwhile is one has to repeat the pursuit of it?
If one is not happy all the time, are they really happy? Is it good to be happy all the time? I am tieing happiness to being content and accepting. Yet change and progress lead to improvements and betterment of people's lives, which should lead to more happiness.
Is there such a thing as "greater happiness"?
Why do I want to know this?
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