The debate about what constitutes happiness has been going on for thousands of years. It is unlikely ever to end. Even if scientists come up with a pill which, taken daily like a vitamin tablet, imparts an all-encompassing feeling of permanent contentment, that will not end the questions. Can such artificially induced euphoria really be happiness? Is not the contrasting experience of misery essential to any true knowledge of happiness? Is not a sense of achievement one vital ingredient in feeling happy?  And so eternally and philosophically on and on the questions will remain.

Measurement features prominently in the debate. How does one measure happiness? It is easy to measure money in the bank, material goods accumulated, successes gained, power exercised, fame achieved. Yet add all these together and it is said happiness may not result. But most men and women prefer to be able to count their…..