The pursuit of happiness has long been the dream ofgenerations of human beings. They have alwaysbeen puzzled by the essence of happiness. What ishappiness? Is it closely related to one’s economic success? Will one’s financial success lead tohappiness directly? Personally, I don’t agree that one’s economic success is the onlyprerequisite of one’s happiness in life.

   Happiness may fall into different categories. An old saying goes like this: “One man’s meat isanother man’s poison”. Happiness may mean being a successful and respected leader of acompany, or a stable and comfortable job in a large international company, or a big flatdowntown, a fantastic set of furniture, etc. However, happiness can also be a harmonious andpeaceful family, or a hospitable and considerate friend, or just a smile, a gesture, a hint. Infact, happiness may be composed of anything you could ever think of. At least, we may havetwo types of happiness: spiritual happiness and materialistic happiness.

   One’s materialistic happiness is dependant on one’seconomic success, though not completely. Without astrong and steady economic background, one couldnever imagine an easy and simple life, let alone anaffluent and luxurious one. If you aren’t able toafford a house, a car, or even a book, anybodywould be horrified at the mere mention of this kindof life. Definitely, some people will feel happy rightaway if their basic demands for life are satisfied.However, we have to admit that these people stillneed to be successful materialistically to somedegree.

   On the other hand, one’s success in economy may not necessarily lead to one’s spiritualhappiness. As we all know, money doesn’t get you everything and some even say that money isthe root of all evils. One’s financial success may be built on the sacrifice of time, health andlove, which are the three most essential elements of spiritual happiness. All of us are not newto this picture: a successful business man tasting loneliness alone with a broken heart.

   In my point of view, one’s economic success is only one of the key factors of happiness, butnever the only one. To be happy, one needs to be both spiritually and materially satisfiedthough each of us may have a totally different picture of happiness.