Happiness is nice, but it is not the end goal for which humans should aspire, at least in my mind. I’ve seen way too many people pursue happiness and fall deeper and deeper into depression. The happiest people I’ve ever met are those who deny themselves all of their desires and instead pursue the things of God.
Your last point is exactly why I agree with your first point; I don't want to be one of those "shiny, happy people."
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-- DLF