Finding happiness - is it an illusion?

In our lives, we often pursue things that make us excited and happy such as buying a new car, getting new clothes, going on an overseas trip, or getting a job. But how satisfying are these in the long run?

Psychology studies have shown that about a year after the 'happy event', a person's happiness will decrease to the same level as if the event never happened. Thus someone who won the lottery a year ago would be just as happy as someone who was seriously injured and became a paraplegic at the same time.

These studies suggest that there is no such thing as true happiness and many authors support this view. Some say finding happiness lies mostly in the anticipation a happy event -- actual attainment of the goal is not important in the quest for happiness. The idea is that happiness is an illusion and finding happiness is just like chasing a rainbow. However futile this may seem, chasing the rainbow is necessary in order to live a full life. See my previous post on work for more.

Other authors claim that true happiness comes when one resists anticipation and lives in the present. Regular meditation and contemplation is necessary to achieve this state of mind. By stopping to smell the roses, we can often work more efficiently or avoid imminent danger.

My view is that you need a balance of both in order to live your life to its fullest potential. Whether you lean towards the first or second approach, if any, will depend entirely on your personality and philosophy. Here are some quotes which may guide you in finding happiness.