It is a fact that a majority of the human family are striving to better their circumstances or condition in life, believing that in so doing they will become happier.
What will man not do in search of gain? He explores the depths of earth and sea for their hidden treasures. He may find them, or he may not find them; but is he made happy thereby? There may be some degree of satisfaction, but no real happiness in either case.
We see man pursuing the paths of literature, only to find that success does not ensure happiness. The same is true of those who seek political honors and fame. How often do their colors trail in the dust! We also see man hoarding silver and gold, stocks and bonds; but who ever found one who realized happiness in amassing wealth? The more man possesses, the more unsettled in thought he is likely to become. There is an excitement attendant thereupon which goads him to constant effort; but when the treasure vanishes, as it surely will, man has nothing left that is real. He has, it may be, his pile of gold, or its representatives in stocks and bonds; but these are about as conducive to happiness as a pile of dirt of equal size.
