Parifal - Did you know that there are now classes in America and, I think, in Australia which is based on how to achieve Happiness.
They are usually in the Psychology faculties and maybe part of Social Psychology (well, I knew that latter term when I studied Psychology at university). The course is very hands-on and students are required to do things like the following (for their assignment work). Taken to a shopping mall, given 50 dollars, and they are required to use it in a way which brings happiness to another person. One student bought flowers and approached an elderly lady, claiming that because she looked so like his grandmother who had lost recently, he wanted her to have the bunch of flowers. It worked well. She was surprised but accepted the gift with evident delight. They then write up their own feelings, why they chose to do what they did, etc etc etc.
The course ended up with many students enjoying it immensely and isn't this just a wonderful way of teaching us how we are actually made, viz that we get much pleasure from giving pleasure to others. And, of course, be miserable and tight-fisted towards others and guess who will be the loser? Many adults don't know this....if you do, you have an excellent piece of knowledge which will stay with you forever.
