Happiness vs. meaningfulness

Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, was renowned not only for her literary genius but also for her profound reflections on life, society, and justice. Through her words, Morrison challenged individuals to seek more than fleeting happiness—to strive for lives grounded in purpose, truth, and meaningful contributions. Her insights continue to inspire us to examine the values that drive our decisions and define our paths.

Morrison’s quote reimagines the foundational ideas of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, urging us to go beyond personal satisfaction and focus on integrity and social justice. She reminds us that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with causes that matter, making an impact not just for ourselves but for the world around us.

“I have often wished that Jefferson had not used that phrase “the pursuit of happiness” as the third right — although I understand in the first draft it was “life, liberty and the pursuit of property.” Of course, I would have been one of those properties one had the right to pursue, so I suppose happiness is an ethical improvement over a life devoted to the acquisition of land, acquisition of resources, acquisition of slaves.

“Still, I would rather he had written “life, liberty and the pursuit of meaningfulness” or “integrity” or “truth.” I know that happiness has been the real, if covert, goal of your labors here. I know that it informs your choice of companions, the profession you will enter. But I urge you, please don’t settle for happiness. It’s not good enough.

“Of course you deserve it but if that’s all you have in mind, happiness, I want to suggest to you that personal success devoid of meaningfulness, free of a steady commitment to social justice, that’s more than a barren life; it is a trivial one. It’s looking good instead of doing good.”

_{Source: Morrison, Toni. Rutgers University. Rutgers Stadium. Piscataway Township, New Jersey. 15 May 2011. Commencement Address. (Transcribed from video)..}