[theorique]

Fair point. Chasing happiness (esp. short term pleasure) as an end in itself, rather than as a side effect of doing valuable things, is unlikely to result in happiness.

But I think a strategic view of "what big choices in life will contribute to long term happiness?" is a still good thing to consider.

[jessriedel]

Isn't that the opposite of the original sentence I quoted?

[theorique]

It could be.

I think if a person's "happiness every day" is "smoke crack and gamble in search of a short-lived rush", he needs to reevaluate, because that won't serve long term happiness.

OTOH, if a person's "happiness every day" is "do yoga, spend time with family, and work reasonable hours at a job he enjoys", then that's a good idea.

Ideally, the short term and the long term are reasonably aligned, otherwise you get problems.

[jessriedel]

In that case, "happiness every day" is a uselessly vague term.

[theorique]

It could be used as a mantra to remind a person to focus on things that bring him happiness. The details matter, of course.