Happiness has become a cultural obsession, yet people report feeling disconnected and dissatisfied with life.

Part of the problem may lie in how we’ve come to define happiness itself.

Happiness is not an achievement, possession, or goal.

Happiness is the byproduct of a love that transforms us.

Happiness is no longer just a topic in psychology and philosophy or a personal aspiration. It has become a cultural phenomenon and a growing industry. Happiness courses are taught in major universities, and books on the subject have become best sellers. There is even a World Happiness Ranking, which uses happiness as a marker for how well societies are functioning.

Yet, for something we pursue so eagerly, many of us remain unsure of what happiness actually is – whether we see it as a life hack, a destination, or something to achieve.

Every time I teach a class on happiness, I start with a cartoon.

My students arrive expecting something different. Some have read Aristotle or positive psychology. Others come equipped with statistics about well-being interventions. Some are hoping I will tell them the trick to achieving happiness so that they can rise above all the social pressures that they face.

Instead, I show them a clip from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

At first, they are confused and don’t get the point.

Charlie Brown, who usually feels awkward, unseen, and uncertain of himself (familiar territory for most people, even if we pretend otherwise), is walking alone on the sidewalk. He discovers something........

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