There is a story circulating on the internet that is attributed to former Beatle John Lennon. It is said that he claimed that as a schoolboy he was asked by his teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up. He replied that he wanted to be happy. The teacher responded that he didn’t understand the question. And John said you don’t understand life. I’m unable to find any confirmation that Lennon ever actually said this, but it illustrates my point. (And it’s interesting to note that in the Peanuts comic strip Linus once answered the question of what he wanted to be when he grew up with “outrageously happy”.)

Without a doubt happiness is a major motivator for practically everyone and probably for a lot of animals as well. Satisfying our needs sustains us and makes us secure, and also provides a measure of happiness, but satisfying one’s wants is done essentially to achieve happiness. Our country’s founders recognized the importance of the right to pursue happiness. Achieving goals and attaining fame or fortune are just methods of pursuing happiness. Our hobbies are done to bring enjoyment into our lives. Too many foods are eaten not for the nutrition they provide, but because they are joyful to eat. On our walks Murphy, my dog usually stops and rolls around on someone’s lawn simply because it makes him happy.

When you stop to think of all the things you do because they make you happy, you get an appreciation of how much of a motivator happiness is. When I grow up, I want to be happy. (I’m not sure I could handle outrageously happy, but it is a worthy goal. And, actually I’m pretty happy now.)