The noblest art is that of making others happy.

Why do we do what we do?

Why do I write?

“The noblest art is that of making others happy.” — P.T. Barnum

Flying from Los Angeles to London (and onto home near Amsterdam), I watched “The Greatest Showman.” I was already good with the film with the quote before the film.

Sure, there’s love, meaning, and other important stuff. But happy? That’s one I shoot for. Those other things (love, meaning, etc.) bring happiness. Is that what we’re aiming, striving, and living for? Is it happiness?

What does it really mean anyway?

• happy: delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing
• joy: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
• love: what is intended to be, or actually is, expressed or indicated; signification; import
• meaning: what is intended to be, or actually is, expressed or indicated; signification; import

What is it? What are we after?