"Given the deeply subjective nature of 'happiness', it should technically be independent of conditions and other factors. According to the Buddha's teachings, our 'happiness' is a result of clear understanding - of experiencing reality as it actually is. That includes recognizing impermanence as well as the non-existence of an independent 'self'. These recognizitions lead to non-grasping and fulfillment. Those who have realized these truths are happy, whether they are financially wealthy or not."

Happiness is not objective.
If nothing but happiness existed, we wouldn’t have the ability to notice our own happiness.
Being happy isn’t the only beautiful experience in life.
—

I’m Taoist. One of my favorite lines of the Tao Te Ching is from Poem Two. The translation I love most (Ursula K. Le Guin) goes like this:

“Everybody on earth, knowing that beauty is beautiful, makes ugliness. Everybody knowing that goodness is good, makes wickedness….”
[read more]

“At least once in their lives, everyone has probably heard a version of the saying, “money can’t buy happiness.” Some even justify this by referencing the two billion people around the world who live in extreme poverty but still experience joy. When westerners visit impoverished communities, it is common to hear descriptions like “despite having so little, they were so happy.” Even some research supports the idea that a lower GDP can lead to a more fulfilled life. However, it isn’t a straightforward relationship. When addressing global poverty, the simplification that poor people are happier can be dangerous and undermine the harsh realities of the world’s poor. Although wealth isn’t correlated with happiness, neither is poverty….”
[read more]