The overall tone of the article suggests that happiness should be revered as a byproduct of a meaningful life, rather than an end in itself – found, for instance, in pill form. Plus, happiness and complacency often travel together:

“If you’re totally satisfied with your life and with how things are going in the world,” says Diener, “you don’t feel very motivated to work for change. Be wary when people tell you you should be happier.”

But there’s very little money in sadness, or even balance. This applies to some important institutions.

- Eric Miller, millerec@etown.edu