You don't pursue happiness. You pursue everything you need to have a fulfilled life, and then, if you achieve it, you'll be happy some of the time. The rest of the time, you'll be consent. One can't sustain happiness forever.
The quote suggests that happiness is not a goal to chase directly; rather, it emerges from pursuing the essentials for a fulfilling life. When we focus on acquiring what we need, such as meaningful relationships, purpose, and personal growth, we may experience happiness occasionally as a natural result of living well. This perspective highlights that fulfillment encompasses a broader range of emotions beyond just happiness.
Furthermore, the quote emphasizes the transient nature of happiness, indicating that it's unrealistic to expect constant joy. Instead, after achieving a fulfilling life, one may often feel contentment, which is a more stable state. Thus, the idea is to seek a life rich in purpose and connection, leading to moments of happiness rather than an endless quest for it.
