Oh, my dear friend, you make me wanna just reach out through my computer and hug you This is such a great, and deeply philosophical topic !

I used to ask myself this question all the time. First off, this is not a yes/no question. I think that our polarized thinking can cause us to be idealistic - either something is really good or really bad. Either we're happy or sad, with no realistic middle ground. This can cause a lot of the trouble we go through everyday.

It is my opinion that there is no on/off switch, but a continuum or spectrum of emotions, and we are all working to get towards the positive end of the spectrum. That's all ! Some of us may get farther than others for reasons that are some complex function of our hard work (therapy, self-improvement, etc), luck, which country and/or state you live in, blessings from the man upstairs (if you believe in God), etc. We may never get there, but that's OK !!! Let's die trying and have no regrets !

Sorry if I've disappointed you. That was not my intention at all. I think we can all have rewarding and satisfying lives, and that it is best to rely on only one person - the person we see in the mirror, to get there. Self-improvement is what it's all about, in my opinion. Want something in your life ? Get off your ***** and go get it !

You can totally get to the positive end of that spectrum, and I urge you to rely on no one but yourself to get there !

But, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of "happiness"