Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were highlighted as inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. The phrase suggests a challenge: while you have life and liberty, achieving happiness is left to your endeavor. Exploring how Americans engage with this challenge in 2026 reveals diverse pursuits of happiness.
Chasing Dreams and Purpose
For some, the pursuit involves tangible goals such as wealth, professional success, or fame. Others seek clarity, purpose, excitement, or peace. Across the nation, a common theme emerges: Americans strive for fulfillment, believing something better may be attainable if one is willing to chase it.
Skydiver Doug Garr, at 77 years old, exemplifies this. He has completed nearly 2,500 jumps, chasing the thrill of free-fall. Starting his journey at 20, he stopped skydiving when given an ultimatum by his wife. After her stroke, he returned to the sport for stress relief. Now, he jumps regularly, savoring the adrenaline rush and camaraderie with friends. Although aware of aging, he aims for his 2,500th jump before retiring his parachute.
Finding Solace and Insight
Barb White and her husband Kyle serve as volunteer lighthouse keepers in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Their week each summer at the lighthouse is a time for reflection, decision-making, and connecting with visitors. Sharing stories with guests brings Kyle a sense of happiness, emphasizing human connection and understanding.
“The joyful thing in life is knowing your neighbor through sharing stories.” — Kyle White
Crafting Personal Happiness
Trần Vũ Thu Hằng, who once prioritized her family, now finds happiness through her creative work making floral designs for museums. Similarly, David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool, emphasizes learning through investments as his source of joy.
Author Min Jin Lee left her law career to write, finding fulfillment in her work rather than recognition. David Leavitt acknowledges that students may pursue stability through traditional paths, but understands that it, too, can be a form of happiness.
Cultural and Creative Fulfillment
Sage Andrew Romero teaches Native customs and finds joy in witnessing his community’s resilience. Thayer Wilson sews clothing as a personal happiness pursuit, connecting over projects with her mother.
Tangala Hollis-Palmer relies on spirituality to navigate life’s challenges, fostering strength and resilience.
Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
Stand-up comedian Malcolm Woods uses humor to connect with audiences, deriving joy from making people laugh. His day job as a software engineer contrasts with his night-time comedic endeavors, where he dreams of a future streaming special.
Entrepreneur Luis Ramallo, with Alien Fresh Jerky, pursues happiness by embracing visionary projects. His desire to build a U.F.O. stems from a personal sighting, fueling an audacious dream.
New Beginnings and Self-Discovery
Susan Semedo, a retired radio DJ, explores happiness through Korean pop music and solo adventures. Finding satisfaction outside romantic relationships, she embraces change and exploration at 62.
Evan Moss finds contentment living freely as a gay man. Jaleh Fazel teaches pottery, experiencing meaning and joy through her craft.
Dr. Laurie Santos advocates for happiness through generosity, underscoring kindness as key to fulfillment. Cancer researcher Olanike Olowokere views happiness as resilience, paralleling her scientific work with stress.
Embracing Simple Joys
Pastor Frank Bennett centers his life around family and faith, linking happiness to balance and spiritual love. Hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos values ordinary moments as sources of happiness, influenced by her end-of-life patients.
Stephen Martinez, released after an overturned conviction, finds delight in everyday nature, celebrating freedom from confinement.
Coping with Loss and Seeking Meaning
Tom and Terry Sullivan’s life altered after losing their son in a mass shooting. Despite grief, Mr. Sullivan finds satisfaction in preventing gun violence, while Ms. Sullivan cultivates happiness through gardening and family time.
David D’Antonio, a wrestling coach, cherishes witnessing students overcome challenges. Manuel Coronado seeks to leverage opportunities in the U.S., while Natalia Matiitsiv from Ukraine treasures community support in Iowa.
Johnny Novokmet transforms personal happiness into physical goals, taking long walking challenges in global cities. Scott Simpson, a counselor, overcame addiction, spreading awareness of life’s simpler joys.
Finding Peace in Confinement
Darris Moore, serving a life sentence in Mississippi, embraces freedom through faith and education. Turning to biblical teachings, he crafts happiness by aiding fellow inmates and maintaining personal growth. Despite incarceration, he finds fulfillment and a sense of freedom within.