I am reading Dinesh D’Souza’s book, “America: Imagine a World without Her,” and finding it quite truthful, full of wisdom and insight.
America was founded on the idea that all men (and later women and people of all races) are created as equals, with certain inalienable rights; that among these is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe “joy” should replace “happiness” for purposes of modern thinking and the perception of what it means to be happy as opposed to joyful.
I believe that in terms of equality, we have moved a long way. In terms of happiness, I worry that too many people live a hedonic lifestyle—as I once did—rather than a joyful, fulfilling, prosperous, and loving life. Therefore, I believe we must pursue joy, which can come from helping others, gratifying work, and lasting, loving relationships.
