The Pursuit of Happiness: Cultural and Psychological Considerations

*Vanda Vitali and John A. Moran*

### **Abstract**

A scientist and art historian from Canada and France and a clinical psychologist from the United Sates, team to examine the notion of pursuit of happiness as one of the major social values in our western society. Building on robust body of social science research practice in cultural fields in different parts of the world and the clinical practice of over thirty years in the United States, the authors explore individual happiness as well as societal happiness and consider implications of pursuit of happiness for the future of individuals and societies in face of the current multiple crisis. Finally, they suggest replacing the value of happiness with a more balanced and sustainable value, such as contentment.

**Keywords:** pursuit of happiness, individual happiness, societal happiness, positive psychology, contentment
