‘Can’t Get No Satisfaction’: The Key to Contentment, According to Wisdom of the Past

Happiness is rarely something that magically befalls us, but something we choose to experience.

Happiness is rarely something that magically befalls us, but something we choose to experience. Nine Köpfer/Shutterstock

“If only ___ , then I’d be happy.”

Did your mind fill in that blank when you read it? Perhaps, it was “I lost 20 pounds,” “I made more money,” “I had a nicer house,” “I met my soulmate,” “I was prettier/taller/skinnier/more fit,” or “I liked my job.”