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Don’t worry about being happy

By Andreas Kluth

21 Dec 2022 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

A Bloomberg columnist questions society's relentless pursuit of happiness, explaining why he believes "happiness shouldn’t be your goal, nor is it the point of life."

I'm all for life and liberty. But the pursuit of happiness? In penning his famous line in 1776, Thomas Jefferson may have been spot on about unalienable rights. But as a life coach - which, admittedly, he wasn't claiming to be - he and the entire Western Enlightenment caused lasting and unquantifiable damage.

As the festive and allegedly soulful season approaches, I want to take some pressure off of you. Happiness shouldn't be your goal, nor is it the point of life. In fact, dwelling on it will only make you and others miserable. So don't worry about it.

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