Happiness

Happiness, pleasure or joy is the emotional state of being happy. The definition of happiness is one of the greatest philosophical quandaries. Proposed definitions include freedom from want and distress, consciousness of the good order of things, assurance of one's place in the universe or society, inner peace, and so forth. More generally, though, it can be defined as the state which humans and other animals are behaviorally driven towards, to counter external forces which would otherwise lead to unhappiness (and presumably eventual death).

Philosophical views

• Utilitarianism commonly seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
• Epicureanism is the belief that the greatest good is to seek happiness for oneself.
• Objectivism holds that the purpose of one's life should be one's rational self-interest, or happiness.
• Hedonism is any ethical theory that gives pleasure a central role.
• Eudaimonism is any ethical theory that gives happiness a central role.