A more reasonable standard, according to Leibniz, would be the happiness of all sentient beings.
A man could have a successful career, money and good physical health, but without supportive, loving relationships, he wouldn't be happy ("Happiness is only the cart; love is the horse").
He smiled and added, "The recipe would be peace, happiness, and fat bellies".
Writing to her one summer about painting the landscape at East Bergholt, he exclaimed: "Either I am improved…or Nature has unveiled her beauties to me with a less fastidious hand…what would be my happiness could I have this enjoyment with you".
One hypothesis suggested that the more diverse the activities engaged in by retirees, either in the urban or the rural zone, the greater would be their happiness.
When I see them enjoying each other in front of me, and then let me enjoy them in turn... that brings a feeling I would say is happiness".
You would not be overstepping anything; instead you would be expressing your happiness for them and their marriage.
I imagined others would be revelling in happiness – tucked up in their childhood beds, conceding losses at Trivial Pursuit with a dazed, tinselled nonchalance.
