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ANABEL GONZALEZPursuit of Happiness is a Privilege Our founding fathers did not promise a right to happiness, but a right to the pursuit of happiness. No one is guaranteed happiness, but one is certainly given the right to reach it. The poor can become rich; the slow can become fast; and the dumb can become smart. Some may never reach their goals, but the real key is that they are given the opportunity to try.
There are circumstances where some have easier lives than others. However, that does not necessarily mean those less fortunate cannot pursue their happiness. In fact, there are those who use their poverty as a way to fuel their ambitions. It is true those who have harder lives are more likely to have obstacles to overcome, but they, too, can reach their paradise.
Our founding fathers did not assure that everyone would get their happiness because not everyone’s definition of happiness is the same. Some may view materialistic objects to be a source of happiness, while others may prefer family bonds. For example, Michael Jordan wanted to score 20 points per game, while Oprah Winfrey wanted to be a billionaire. Was Michael Jordan’s goal more valuable than Oprah Winfrey’s? Or vice versa? I would bet my money those different goals produced the same feeling. Their individual goals were different, but the pleasure they received from their success was the same.
Americans believe they are guaranteed the right to happiness because this country is
full of opportunity. When people feel that they do not have the same chances in life as others, they will feel cheated from their happiness. For example, children raised without a father are more likely to blame the absent father for their misfortunes than blame themselves. Americans faced with hardships will look for any means of salvation. This would explain drug and alcohol abuse because they are “easy” ways to achieve short-term contentment.
When our founding fathers created the right to the pursuit of happiness, they did it with good intention. It was not made to mislead anyone. It was made to preserve the values of this country and to give all Americans the freedom to pursue their pleasures. Of course this did not guarantee happiness for everyone, but it did give each citizen the prospect of achieving their own version of happiness.
Anabel Gonzalez
CM 104.16
Prof. J. Lamachia
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