Happiness is not static. Happiness is not finally having the right stuff, mate, or money. Happiness includes opportunity, the potential for control over your life. This is one reason stagnant economic situations are depressing. Even if we have more than any previous generation, a lack of opportunity can make even comfort seen like a dead-end. As upward mobility has faded, the pursuit of happiness has become fruitless and feels foolish.
“Happiness Requires Opportunity; Not Just Contentment” – Brookings
Pretending Not To Panic 