Happiness means the general condition of success. This is one goal which all rational beings have in common, and it’s desirability is self-evident. One does not need to justify the pursuit of this goal, which is more important to people than any other. Happiness is the final end.So if happiness is the common state of success as claimed, why are there many successful people who are discontented individuals? The answer is simple: there is a huge difference between provisional satisfaction and lasting happiness. The joy of finally graduating from college may last longer than the pleasure of drinking a couple of beers, but it is far from making one eternally happy in life.
Although the journey to any goal may be very thrilling, true happiness in life comes when one truly wants and likes what one has or has achieved. Unless you are content by nature (as many simple people are), you must first know yourself in order to learn what you truly want. Once you know yourself, you either already have what you truthfully want in life or you don’t. If you don’t, you can set intermediate goals aligned with your ultimate goal, so you can reach it. The strategies that you are about to read in the coming chapters will increase your chances of accomplishing your goals.