What is the definition of happiness anyway?

So many ways to define happiness. Here are some definitions of happiness to inspire you.

Finding happiness is like finding yourself. You don't find happiness, you make happiness. You choose happiness. Self-actualization is a process of discovering who you are, who you want to be and paving the way to happiness by doing what brings YOU the most meaning and contentment to your life over the long run.
This definition of happiness by David Leonhardt, The Happy Guy

True happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
This definition of happiness by Helen Keller

You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation.
This definition of happiness by Bette Davis

Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords.
This definition of happiness by Samuel Johnson

Happiness is man's greatest aim in life. Tranquility and rationality are the cornerstones of happiness.
This definition of happiness by Epicurus

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Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
This definition of happiness by Og Mandino

Happiness is contagious...when you reflect happiness, then all others around you catch the happy bug and are happy, too.
This definition of happiness by Jennifer Leese

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
This definition of happiness by Mahatma Gandhi

Happiness is an inner state of well being. A state of well being enables you to profit from your highest: thoughts, wisdom, intelligence, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values in your life.
This definition of happiness by Lionel Ketchian

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
This definition of happiness by Thich Nhat Hanh

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
This definition of happiness by Hugh Downs

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.
This definition of happiness by Aristotle

There is a French proverb: To live happy, live hidden. Where can Brigitte Bardot hide?
This definition of happiness by Brigitte Bardot

Money can't buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.
This definition of happiness by Spike Milligan

Happiness ain't a thing in itself--it's only a contrast with something that ain't pleasant.
This definition of happiness by Mark Twain

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.
This definition of happiness is a Swedish proverb

Happiness is the only sanction of life; where happiness fails, existence remains a mad and lamentable experiment.
This definition of happiness by George Santayana

I give thanks for the joy and happiness in life and trust that God does indeed want me to be happy.
This definition of happiness by Marty Varnadoe Dow

Happiness comes only from appreciating what you have right now. You can even be happy by appreciating your troubles because they are helping to build your character.
This definition of happiness by Harriet Meyerson

It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.
This definition of happiness by Agnes Rippler

Happiness is mostly a by-product of doing what makes us feel fulfilled.
This definition of happiness by Dr. Benjamin Spock

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, And the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
This definition of happiness by Buddha

Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
This definition of happiness by Robert G. Ingersoll

Happiness: An agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another.
This definition of happiness by Ambrose Bierce

Life can be divided into the horrible and miserable.
This definition of happiness by Woody Allen

There is work that is work and there is play that is play; there is play that is work and work that is play. And in only one of these lie happiness.
This definition of happiness by by Gelett Burgess

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.
This definition of happiness by the Countess of Blessington

Happiness is not merely a life lived by accumulating moments of pleasure. On the contrary, happiness is a long lasting enduring enjoyment of life, it is being in love with living. It is your reward for achieving a good character and personal rational values in life. Some important values are a productive career, romance, friendship and hobbies.
This definition of happiness by Dr. Ellen Kenner.

By all means marry: If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
This definition of happiness by Socrates.

Happiness is not in having or being—it is in the doing.
This definition of happiness by Lillian Watson.

Happiness is living in a state of freely choosing to create and exchange one's rational values with others.
This definition of happiness by John Roberts

But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads.
This definition of happiness by Albert Camus

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.
This definition of happiness by Martha Washington.

Happiness is a thing to be practiced, like the violin.
This definition of happiness by John Lubbock

Happiness... is not a destination: it is a manner of traveling. Happiness is not an end in itself. It is a by-product of working, playing, loving and living.
This definition of happiness by Haim Ginott.

Happiness for me is to know that my life has meaning and purpose, and that every day my life touches others in a positive way--whether to make them laugh or learn or both at once!
This definition of happiness by Deanna Mascle

To be truly happy and contented, you must let go of what it means to be happy or content.
This definition of happiness by Confucius

The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure.
This definition of happiness by Francoise de Motteville

Happiness is something you get as a by-product in the process of making something else.
This definition of happiness by Aldous Huxley

What's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money.
This definition of happiness by Henny Youngman

Happiness is when your mind is thinking through your heart.
This definition of happiness by Judi Singleton

Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.
This definition of happiness by Albert Schweitzer.

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.
This definition of happiness by Mark Twain

Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.
This definition of happiness by Stephen Covey

David Leonhardt is author of a self-help happiness book. He also runs a this happiness website.