Is Happiness the Goal?

"I don't think happiness or unhappiness is the point. How do we meet the problems we face?
 
How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?
 
 In my view, we of this world are pupils in a great school of life. It is intended that we try to grow, and that we try to help our fellow travelers to grow in the kind of love that makes no demands.
 
 In short, we try to move toward the image and likeness of God as we understand Him.
 
When pain comes, we are expected to learn from it willingly, and help others to learn. When happiness comes, we accept it as a gift, and thank God for it."
As Bill Sees It
LETTER, 1950