Doesn’t it seem to you that our whole culture (when we’re not tuned in to catch the latest nonsense coming out of Washington) is devoted to reminding us that our chief goal in life is to be happy? ("Yes, what he did was wrong. But the economy is good and I’m happy.") There was even a song about the importance and preeminence of being happy a few years ago. Do you remember it? "Here’s a little song I wrote, you might want to sing it note for note: Don’t worry. Be happy!"

Advertising sells products based on how much happier or more satisfied we will be if we purchase a particular brand of shampoo or toothpaste or deodorant soap (although that probably affects the happiness of the people around us more than it affects us!). I remember at a former place of employment part of the annual perform…