July 4 and the “Pursuit of Happiness”
The following column originally appeared in a number of APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during June and July, 2026, including the Aitken Independent, MilleLacs Messenger, Press & News, Sun Current, SunPost Sun Sailor, Morrison County Record, Union Times, and APG Statewide News/
July 4 and the “Pursuit of Happiness”
Our country’s 250th birthday on July 4 offers an opportunity to talk with youngsters and each other about one of the most important phrases in our Declaration of Independence: “the pursuit of Happiness.” On both a personal and professional level, that right has made a huge difference in my life. How about yours?
On a personal level, it allowed me to meet, court, and marry a remarkable woman 51 years ago. Together (but mostly thanks to her), we have three children (including a set of twins). Though we’ve faced challenges, our married life has been mostly happy. And today, mostly retired, with good health and other blessings, it’s delightful. Recognizing that many people are not so fortunate, I’m still trying to be useful.
In some countries, I would not have had the opportunity to pick a life partner. Marriages are arranged. But here in the U.S., I had choices.
On a professional level, like most Americans, I also had options. In some countries and at certain times in history, I would not have had alternatives. The same goes for women. Gender, family prominence, and other factors often restricted choices and options.
I chose education, first, because I thought I could help make a difference for others. I also thought that helping others would make me “happy.” Being an educator across various formats and institutions for 50+ years has sometimes also produced frustration. That includes being laid off early in my career due to low seniority, or encountering some educators opposing certain strategies I thought both research and experience supported. But on balance, the satisfactions are far more than the frustrations. I’d do it again.
The University of William & Mary produced a fascinating, brief article in June, entitled “What Jefferson really meant by the pursuit of happiness.” Author Susan Corbett, a communications specialist for the university, quotes Adam Potkay, the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Humanities at William & Mary. He explains that “the pursuit of happiness has often been misunderstood… it means something very different today than it did at the time Jefferson wrote it.”
Thomas Jefferson, courtesy of Jefferson’s Monticello
Corbett explains: “In an 1819 letter to fellow William & Mary alumnus and American diplomat William Short, Jefferson acknowledged that pleasure was a goal, but virtue was the foundation of genuine happiness. The pursuit of happiness was not a pursuit of pleasure alone.”
Jefferson viewed the “pursuit of happiness” as having two separate, related meanings. One involved doing things that would make us pleased, contented, and even joyful. The second involves living a life that helps others.
Corbett explains: “Today, as Americans search for happiness, the surest path to happiness may not mean good vibes only, but pursuit of the common good.”
Potkay concludes: “It’s also a lifelong pursuit,” “It’s what the good life truly is.”
Corbett’s brief article is found here.
What have you, the readers, learned in your life about this important phrase? Reactions/thoughts welcome. I’d like to publish some of what you write.
Joe Nathan, PhD has been a Minnesota public school educator at the K-12 and university levels. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org