A state of well-being characterized by positive emotions and life satisfaction. The feeling of joy, contentment, or fulfillment.
From Middle English 'hap' meaning chance or fortune, plus the suffix '-ness.' Originally, happiness was tied to good fortune or luck rather than internal emotional states, reflecting how the concept of personal fulfillment evolved over centuries.
Happiness was once considered a matter of external fortune rather than internal choice - the shift from 'good hap' (good luck) to personal well-being reflects humanity's growing understanding of psychology. Modern research shows that happiness is about 50% genetic, 40% intentional activities, and only 10% circumstances.
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