The American Daydream

"I have often wished that Jefferson had not used that phrase ‘the pursuit of happiness’ as the third right…I would rather he had written, ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of meaningfulness’ or ‘integrity’ or ‘truth.’ I know that happiness has been the real, if covert, goal of your labors here. I know that it informs your choice of companions, the profession you will enter. But I urge you, please do not settle for happiness. It’s not good enough. Personal success devoid of meaningfulness, free of a steady commitment to social justice — that’s more than a barren life; it’s a trivial one. It’s looking good instead of doing good."