A proverb allegedly from ancient China was widely spread in the w est:"If you want to be happy for a few hours , go to get drunk; if you want the happiness to last three years , get married; if you want a lifetime happiness , take up gardening." The reason for the last option is this : Gardening is not only useful, but it helps you to identify yourself with nature , and thus brings you new joy each day besides improving your health. A research of a US university that I've read gives a definition of happiness as what makes a person feel comfortably pleased. To put it specifically, happiness is an active state of mind where one thinks one's life is meaningful, satisfactory and comfortable. This should be something lasting rather than transitory. Lots of people regard it the happiest to be at leisure. But according to the study, it is not a person with plenty of leisure but one at work that feels happy, especially those busy with work having little time for leisure. Happiness does not spell gains one is after but a desire to harvest what one is seeking for. People often do not cherish what they already have but yearn for what they cannot get. That is somewhat like a man indulging in dreams of numerous lovers while reluctant to settle down with the woman beside him. Happiness is a game balancing between two ends -- what one has and what one wishes for, e.g. one's dream and the possibility to realize it. The study comes to this conclusion: A happy man is one who aims high but never forgets his actual situation; one who meets challenges that tap his ability and potentiality; one who is proud of his achievements and the recognition given to him. He has self-respect and self-confidence; treasures his own identity and loves freedom. He is sociable and enjoys wide-range communication with others; he is helpful and ready to accept assistance. He knows he is able to endure sufferings and frustrations; he is sensible enough to get fun from daily chores. He is a man capable of love and passion.