My professor pointed out in class the other day that the US is practically one of the only–if not the only–nation with the right of happiness written in its official governing documents.  I hadn’t ever really thought about that.  Of course, she was kind of mocking our country, but also envious and trying to get us to understand how lucky we are.

It’s not like our depression rates are lower than other countries’ or that the rest of the world sulks their entire life.  My experience abroad assures me that non-Americans do not have trouble enjoying themselves.  Since people feel entitled to being happy they get angry or think something is wrong with them when that’s not the case, perhaps ironically leading them down a path to unhappiness and depression.  Just something to think about.