Defining happiness can be as unique as each individual. As the German-Swiss poet Hermann Hesse once said, "Happiness is a how; not a what. A talent, not an object." It's a journey, not just a destination, often found in unexpected places and moments. But is happiness a work in progress, something we must actively pursue, or is it something that unfolds naturally? And does facing sorrow enhance our appreciation of happiness? Does anticipation of happiness steal away from our ability to enjoy the present? Many believe that being grateful fosters happiness and minimizes desires. But can we truly measure happiness? Are we constantly chasing it when it's already within reach?

Some argue that happiness is inversely related to the number of desires we harbor. It's elusive, difficult to articulate, yet universally desired. Do external factors like attention and love from others truly bring happiness, or is it an internal state unaffected by outside influences? Understanding what brings us joy may also allow us to spread happiness to others, but is there a specific formula or mantra for achieving it? Should we adhere to certain rules or guidelines to cultivate happiness? Are kids happier than grownups?

Is happiness fleeting, coming and going like the tide, or is it a consistent state of being? And is it the same as pleasure, or does it encompass deeper aspects like friendship, family, service, faith, love, success, and compassion? Can happiness be cultivated, or is it something we must discover within ourselves? And why do some people seem naturally predisposed to happiness while others struggle to find it? These are all questions that reveal the complexity and depth of the human experience when it comes to happiness.

Moreover, does pursuing happiness mean avoiding sadness altogether? As the Dalai Lama once said, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." So, do we need to actively engage with life to find happiness, even in the face of adversity? And is there a balance between pursuing our own happiness and finding happiness in serving others? As Mother Teresa famously said, "The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved." So, can happiness be found in connection and service to others, even in the midst of personal struggles? These are questions that challenge our understanding of happiness and its role in our lives.