In this reflective piece, the author discusses their long-term project of tracking personal happiness, initiated two decades ago. They have consistently measured their daily happiness on a scale from 0 to 10, recording not only the day’s overall feeling but also contextual details about their activities and social interactions. This practice has allowed the author to identify patterns and influences on their mood, highlighting the significance of daily experiences in shaping overall well-being.

The article also delves into the societal complexities around happiness and status, particularly in unequal countries like the United States. It critiques the cultural tendency to equate happiness with material possessions, such as owning expensive cars, which often leads to a quest for status rather than genuine fulfillment. The author argues that this societal rat race contributes to a collective suffering, as individuals chase after indicators of success that do not inherently bring happiness.

Ultimately, the author emphasizes the need to disentangle personal happiness from external societal expectations. By sharing their insights and findings, they aim to encourage readers to reflect on their own happiness measurements and consider what genuinely contributes to their well-being, advocating for a shift towards internal rather than external validation.