“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” (Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776. ME 1:29, Papers 1:315)

The government of the United States of America was founded upon “inherent and inalienable rights.” It is interesting that “happiness” is distinctive from “life” and “liberty” in that it is the “pursuit of happiness” which is the inalienable right, and not happiness itself. Our Creator has endowed us with the inalienable right to pursue happiness. However, this does not mean everyone will attain happiness. Perhaps it is because they seek it in the wrong place.

“Blessed [happy] is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). Supreme and true happiness is found with God, and it is only through His revelation that we come to know Him (cf. 1 Corinthians 2). It is sad that many choose to consume temporary pleasure (cf. 1 John 2:15-17) when God offers eternal happiness through His word. It is that which is profitable for this life, and the next (cf. 1 Timothy 4:8). However, “the ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away…For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4, 6).

All pursuits of happiness outside of imbibing and acting out the will of God are vain. The happy man is the one who follows God.

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