Legal Definitions - pursuit of happiness

The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental principle, articulated in the United States Declaration of Independence, which asserts that individuals possess an inherent right to strive for their personal goals, aspirations, and well-being. This principle implies that people should be free to make choices about their lives, careers, and personal development without arbitrary or unwarranted intervention from the government. It recognizes an individual's liberty to seek fulfillment in their own way, provided their actions do not infringe upon the rights of others or violate legitimate laws.

Here are some examples illustrating this principle:

• Career Choice: A recent college graduate decides to forgo a traditional corporate job offer to start a small business selling custom-designed furniture online. She believes this path offers greater personal satisfaction and aligns with her creative passions.

  This illustrates the pursuit of happiness because the government generally cannot prevent her from choosing her desired occupation or operating a legitimate business, as long as she complies with standard regulations like obtaining necessary licenses and paying taxes. Her choice reflects her right to seek fulfillment through her work without undue governmental interference.

• Lifestyle and Residence: An individual chooses to move from a bustling urban center to a quiet, remote cabin in the mountains, seeking a simpler life closer to nature and away from the stresses of city living.

  This demonstrates the pursuit of happiness as the government typically cannot dictate where a person must live or what lifestyle they must adopt, provided they adhere to local zoning laws, property regulations, and other legitimate ordinances. The individual's decision to change their living environment for personal well-being is protected under this principle.

• Personal Development and Hobbies: A retiree dedicates their post-career years to learning several new languages and traveling extensively to experience different cultures, using their lawfully acquired savings to fund these endeavors.

  This exemplifies the pursuit of happiness because the government cannot arbitrarily restrict an individual from using their resources and time for personal enrichment, education, or leisure activities that bring them joy and a sense of purpose, as long as their actions comply with travel laws and other legal requirements. Their freedom to pursue these interests for personal growth is a manifestation of this right.