Happiness is Not a Constant State

Russ Harris challenges the common misconception that happiness is a natural, constant state. He argues that human emotions are inherently fluctuating, much like the weather, and that the pursuit of constant happiness can lead to greater suffering. The key phrase here is 'Embrace the full range of emotions.' Harris illustrates this with the idea that trying to cling to positive feelings or avoid negative ones creates a psychological trap. A relevant quote from the book is, 'If you’re not happy, you’re normal,' highlighting that experiencing a range of emotions is part of the human condition.