> There is a premise [...] that happiness is algorithmic, that it can be worked for and earned and achieved as if it were getting accepted to law school [...]. If I achieve X, then I can be happy.
> This premise though, is the problem. Happiness is not a solvable equation. Dissatisfaction and unease are inherent parts of human nature, and, as we'll see, necessary components to creating consistent happiness.
> We are wired to become dissatisfied with whatever we have and satisfied by only what we do not have. This constant dissatisfaction has kept our species fighting and striving, building and conquering. So no - our own pain and misery aren't a bug of human evolution, they're a feature.
> There's no such thing as a life without problems. Instead, hope for a life full of good problems.
And maybe the central tenet of the book:
> Happiness comes from solving problems. The keyword here is "solving". If you're avoiding your problems or feel like you don't have any problems, then you're going to make yourself miserable. If you feel like you have problems that you can't solve, you will likewise make yourself miserable.
> To be happy we need something to solve. Happiness is therefore a form of action; it's an activity, not something that is passively bestowed upon you. It doesn't magically appear when you finally make enough money to add on that extra room to the house. You don't find it waiting for you in a place, an idea, a job - or even a book, for that matter.
Much of the rest of the book goes into depth about choosing what problems you want to have - because you will have problems no matter what, but it's up to you what those are. Both on a factual level ("you won't get a great physique if 'wake up early to go to the gym' is a problem you don't want to have") and on a mindset level ("Dave Mustaine of Megadeth is unhappy about his success because earlier he was kicked out of Metallica, who are now more successful"). In other words, what to "give a fuck" about - and what not to give a fuck about.
Would recommend!