III; chap.  X. W. James, Psychology, vol.  I, pp. 122-27; vol.  II, pp. 561-79.  W. E. H. Lecky, Map of Life, chap.  XII.  A. Bain, The Emotions and the Will, part ii, chap.  IX.  L. H. Gulick, in World’s Work, vol. 15, p. 9797.  Bossuet, Connaissance de Dieu et de Soi meme, chap.  III, sec. 19.  St. Augustine, Confessions, book VIII, chap.  V. Janet, Elements de Morale, chap.  X, sec. 3.  W. L. Sheldon, An Ethical Movement, chap.  X. A. Bennett, The Human Machine, chaps.  I-V.  O. S. Marden, Every Man a King.

CHAPTER XXII

THE ATTAINABILITY OF HAPPINESS

We have now discussed the more recurrent problems of the individual, and pointed out the salient duties that private life entails.  But there remains something to be added before we shall have clearly pointed the way to personal happiness.  “Mere morality,” even when coupled with good fortune, is not enough; a sinless man, scrupulous to fulfill the least command of the law, may yet be anxious, restless, depressed, unsatisfied.  We need more than morality, as the word is commonly used; we need religion — or something of the sort.  There is no doubt that for the attainment of a pervasive and stable happiness there is nothing so good as the best sort of religion; but, as in discussing self-control, we must here steer clear of religious controversy and phrase what we have to say in the colder terms of “mere morality.”  And though there will be a great loss in feeling, in persuasiveness and unction thereby, there will be gain in clearness.  It is possible to express in the drab tones of morality the profound insights which have made religion the great guide to happiness; and even the man who deems himself irreligious may, if he takes to heart these more prosaic counsels, find something of the peace that has been the boon of true believers.

The threefold key to happiness: 

I. Hearty allegiance to duty.

The one thing above all others that makes life worth living is the utter devotion of the heart and will to the commands of morality.  To throw one’s self whole-heartedly into the game, to play one’s part for all it is worth, transforms what were else a grim and unhappy necessity into a glorious opportunity.  The happy man is the loyal man, the man who has taken sides, who has enrolled himself definitely on the side of right and tastes the zest of battle.  He has something to live for, and something lasting.  He has put his heart into a cause that the limitations and accidents of life cannot take from him, he has laid up his treasure in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt or thieves break through and steal.