Pursuit of Happiness

I have previously shared posts on Life, and on Liberty. Now to close out the series on the three explicitly defined rights, I feel compelled to share with you, first, a video from Fox News on the subject:

All the points shared by this commentator I tend to agree with - namely that Conservative Americans tend to lead happier lives. Our outlook on life in general is more optimistic, and we are more likely to give of ourselves. This is not a pat on the back - but the statistics from the video seem compelling.

But personally - what is the right of "the pursuit of happiness"?

In discussing this question with economic scholars, I have consistently heard that it is in reference to the pursuit of financial wealth and personal prosperity.

In discussing the question with religious friends, I have consistently heard that it is the freedom to worship openly without persecution.


The message being shared by the video is simple - there are constant truths, and those constants create an overwhelming sense of happiness or unhappiness. For instance - the ability and willingness to give freely to those in need - regardless of the individual, on the whole those who are able to give feel happier.

He also hinted at family. We all have family - and the betterment of the relation with our families is the most immediate source of happiness... there is nothing simpler than kindness in the home - a smile, an extra long hug... something that says "You are safe and loved"... Even with extended family - conduct some genealogical research and reach out to a distant cousin... you would be surprised at the truth in the Lakotah Phrase "Mitaku Oyasin" (We are all related)

Truly - happiness is what you make of life that fulfills your soul's yearning. Find it on a mountain top, or behind the counter of a soup kitchen... Happiness is giving more of yourself than you take in...

That is a right that no government can take from you.