What is the real meaning of the pursuit of happiness?

Answer 1

"Happiness" in this context means something more like "well-being" or "good fortune".

The expression "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence must be understood in light of the document's background in British history [the Declaration in many ways follows the structure and type of argument in the "English Bill or Rights" or 1689] and in the theories of government of John Locke. Based on Locke the most common way to refer to 'basic human rights' was "life, liberty and PROPERTY", and it is this expression that appears in other political writings in the colonies at the time of the Declaration.

But the term "happiness" was also used and part of their larger understanding of rights.

A quick look at Locke -- note esp. the last paragraph:

"[LIFE] Locke believed that the most basic human law of nature is the preservation of mankind. To serve that purpose, he reasoned, individuals have both a right and a duty to preserve their own lives. Murderers, however, forfeit their right to life since they act outside the law of reason.

"[LIBERTY] Locke also argued that individuals should be free to make choices about how to conduct their own lives as long as they do not interfere with the liberty of others. Locke therefore believed should be far-reaching.

"[PROPERTY / PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS] By "property," Locke meant MORE than land and goods that could be sold, given away, or even confiscated by the government under certain circumstances. Property also referred to ownership of one's self, which included A RIGHT TO PERSONAL WELL BEING. Jefferson, however, substituted the phrase, "pursuit of happiness," which Locke and others had used to describe FREEDOM OF OPPORTUNITY as well as the duty to help those in want.
http://www.crf-usa.org/Foundation_docs/Foundation_lesson_declaration.htm

Perhaps the easiest way to see this connection is to look at the very first paragraph of the "Virginia Declaration of Rights" written by George Mason in 1776, JUST BEFORE the Declaration of Independence. Note how his list pulls together "property" and "pursuit of happiness" --

"That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
http://odur.let.rug.nl/%7Eusa/D/1776-1800/independence/virdor.htm

Answer 2

real meaning of pursuit of happiness is hard to define, but when people get there, it is a feeling in which life has finally lifted the weight off your shoulders and you feel that you can enjoy even the simplest things in life.

Answer 3

properly to me friends kinfolk and boys so some distance is yet you may desire to have relaxing with them... like stay your own existence for you and no-one else! circulate to the movies, mall, and circulate out and function relaxing!! lifes to short. the next day is on no account promised to you...

Answer 4

follow your dreams, and be all you can be