In Denmark, happiness comes from equality; in Singapore,happiness comes from the rule of law; in the slums of Calcutta, India, happiness comes from the hearts of people that depends on each other.

It is not difficult to see, whether a personis happy or not, largely depends on two aspects. One is external, that is thesocial environment we live in; the other is internal, that is our personalattitude to life. Today, we (Chinese people) are not happy, also can beanalyzed in several aspects.

1. Lack of faith (beliefs)

Most people do not know what the expectationsare in one's whole life, simply put it, you do not know what you want.Confucius ate coarse rice, drank water, didn't even have pillows when sleepingand used his arms as pillows, but Confucius said, “Happiness is within”; Hesaid, “A basket of cooked rice, a ladle of water, living in the ghetto alley”,others might think this is an unbearable life, but Confucius was able to “keephis happiness”. Why? Because he knew what he is pursuing in this life.

2. Always comparing

Western saying goes, Whether a person isfortunate or not, happy or not, does not depend on how big of accomplishmenthe/she has achieved, but from the way how the neighbors look at them. When whatwe are pursuing is not happiness, but to be happier than others, then happinesswill be even further away from us.

3. Living in happiness without realizing it

If a light has been constantly lit, you willnot pay attention to it, but if it is brighter and darker at times, or if it ison and off at times, you will notice. Similarly, sometimes we are envied byothers, but we hardly notice it. Only if one day we loss that, then we willrealize.

4. Not moved by beautiful things

"The spring wind is so selfless, not askingfor anything in return but blossomed millions of flowers." We may not have theability to create beauty, but have we been appreciating the beauty of nature,or the beautiful things created by others? We often ignore and unaware of thenatural beauty, artistic beauty, spiritual beauty and many beautiful things inlife around us.

5. Do not know how to give

Zhang Shangying from Song dynasty said,"Nothing is happier than being happy of doing good deeds", only a person whoknows how to give rather than just take can be truly happy. Charity is not aprivilege of the rich. Donating millions to disaster relief is charity, give astranger a smile is also charity.

6. Not being content

How much does a person need to be satisfied?Never enough!

When you are not happy because you don't haveshoes, have you noticed those who do not have feet? Contentment bringshappiness.

Harold Albert is the academic director of the University of California. Once he walked on the streetfull of dissatisfaction and confusion because he had already lost his job andwas looking for new work. He walked in the road like a depressed person,completely lost confidence and courage.

Just then, a man with no legs came, sitting ona small wooden platform which was attached with wheels from old skates. Hecarried 2 pieces of wood and wheeled himself across the street.

When Harold saw him, he had just crossed thestreet, trying to raise himself a few inches to get on the pavement. Harold'seyes met his, the disabled man said happily, "Good morning! Sr. Nice morningweather, is not it?" At the time Harold felt a strange sense of satisfaction.He thought, I have 2 legs, he has no legs, but he is so happy, what reason do Ihave to be upset? So Harold became more confident, and went on happily.

7. Anxiety is everywhere

Anxiety of safety, wealth, health and anxietyof children's education and employment… Only a person who is carefree can behappy.

8. Too much pressure/stress

Political pressure, pressure from work,family, emotional stress, financial stress, interpersonal pressure,psychological pressure and physical pressure

9. Standards are too high

Using person's own standard to demand others "If I can, why can't you?"

Using other's standard to demand oneself, "Ifhe can, why can't I?"

10. Not being oneself

A person who becomes a good son, a goodhusband, a good father, a good friend, a good partner… but if a person cannotbecome someone that himself/herself desires, always fighting with oneself, thenthis person has no balance, and naturally, it is difficult for him/her to betruly happy.