title: Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual
author:  Dennis Prager 
description: In this unique blend of self-help and moral philosophy, talk-radio host Dennis Prager asserts that we're actually obligated to be happy, because it makes us better people. Achieving that happiness won't be easy, though: to Prager, it requires a continuing process of counting your blessings and giving up any expectations that life is supposed to be wonderful. "Can we decide to be satisfied with what we have?" he asks. "A poor man who can make himself satisfied with his portion will be happier than a wealthy man who does not allow himself to be satisfied." Prager echoes many conservative political commentators in complaining that too many people today see themselves as victims; he submits that the only way to achieve your desires is to take responsibility for your life rather than blaming others. Whether or not you agree with that view, if you're willing to put some thought into achieving a happier outlook, you will find plenty to mull over in <i>Happiness Is a Serious Problem</i>.
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  ## Happiness Is a Serious Problem
  
  
  A Human Nature Repair Manual
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Dennis Prager
  
  
  ![image](images/00001.png)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Fran
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Contents
  
  
  >
  
  
  Introduction
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  [Part I  
  Premises
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [1 Happiness Is a Moral Obligation](index_split_005.html#filepos23834)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [2 Unhappiness Is Easy—Happiness Takes
  Work](index_split_007.html#filepos27670)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [3 The Mind Plays the Central Role](index_split_009.html#filepos30252)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [4 There Is No Good Definition of
  Happiness](index_split_011.html#filepos32672)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [5 Life Is Tragic](index_split_013.html#filepos35475)
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  [Part II  
  Major Obstacles to Happiness and How to Deal with Them
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [6 Human Nature](index_split_017.html#filepos39356)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [7 Comparing Ourselves with Others](index_split_019.html#filepos50984)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [8 Images](index_split_021.html#filepos61664)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [9 The Missing Tile Syndrome](index_split_023.html#filep