There are three kinds of happiness, for the most part. I could crank myself up and say there are ten or fifteen kinds (and maybe there are), but let’s keep it simple.

The first kind of happiness is the mild, steady-as-she-goes, non-euphoric kind that’s based upon a general, good-enough satisfaction with the basics (fulfilling job, loyal friends, a more-or-less happy relationship with a significant other, financial security) and trusting that good things are in the offing. I’m basically talking about believing in your future — a belief that things are pretty good for the most part, and that you’re not looking at an ongoing or worsening tragedy (like having neurofibromatosis or incurable cancer or living under a hellish police state) and that some of the miles to go before you sleep will be interesting..

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