The pursuit of happiness is as old as modern civilization. Books, elixers, religions, and philosophies are all devoted to it. Happiness is a quest, an obsession, and a universal aspiration.
But what does it take to be unhappy?
In some ways, it’s easier than happiness itself. New research and much life experience offers a simple recipe for genuine discontent.
Here’s the (unconventional) list:
• Buy things you can’t afford or don’t want.
• Compare yourself to others.
• Take no joy in the journey.
• Respond instead of initiate.
• Allow other people to determine your values and priorities.
• Refuse to challenge yourself.
• Focus only on yourself.
• Settle.
[…]
Happiness may require more than pithy quotations on Twitter and a good sleep cycle, but unhappiness is fairly simple.