Suspect Happiness in Pursuit: An Anti-Interview with Unstory

The United States has marked 250 years since the Declaration of Independence this year, a nation in decline, which includes the infamous line of the unalienable rights given to all people: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" [1] But what does it actually mean to pursue happiness? It means to chase, to run after. You are free to try to reach, but you are not promised the destination of happiness itself. And, sure, I could explain that the idea of the founding fathers was to have citizens living a life of civic virtue, moral self-improvement, and personal freedom to work (or own property) without unfair government blocks, rather than just seeking short-term personal pleasure. But I think you'd agree with me—that sounds more like a noble contentment rather than happiness, doesn't it? Hm. The 50/10/40 Split All I want now is happiness for you and me What I used to be will pass away and then you’ll see. —Elliott Smith, "Happiness" As you may already be aware, our capacity for…