The U.S. Declaration of Independence states:
“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.”
What is Happiness?
It seems almost taboo to ask the question. Like, somehow, we are just supposed to know the answer. But, if happiness is so important that the United States should be founded on the right to pursue it, perhaps we should know what “it” is so we don’t waste our time in false pursuit.
Aristotle observed in one of his writings, that every human activity is intended for the purpose of achieving happiness. But, he also goes on to say that there is little or no agreement among the experts (or anyone else) on what happiness really is.
Most people associate happiness with pleasure seeking. Some think it is gained through achievement and public honor. Many think it comes through the accumulation of wealth. But none of these provide happiness. Anyone who has ever obtained these things knows they do not satisfy, and can destroy the unwary seeker.
So, what is happiness? Why do we seek it? Can it even be obtained? Or, is it like the proverbial “end of the rainbow”, always just over the next hill?
Some say that it is the “journey, not the destination, that matters“, but it seems unfortunate to settle for a life of seeking, but never finding.
Jesus said “search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
It seems that we would not desire happiness if it did not exist. It seems that if even experts cannot agree on what it is, that it must transcend purely human endeavor or imagination. Yet, the desire burns within our hearts nonetheless.
Let’s not settle for “the journey”, but insist on knowing fully.
Let’s find eternity together!
Seeking Eternity 