The creed of the United States.

Darrin M. McMahon explains what "the pursuit of happiness" meant to the founding generation of this country: , and it had nothing to do with

[That] happiness was the final end of human existence, the great goal of a life well lived.. . .

[Jefferson] knew, with the philosophers Aristotle and Cicero, that happiness was the final end of human existence, the great goal of a life well lived. To pursue happiness was not only a law of human nature but the highest human calling, attained through discipline, self-sacrifice and reasoned moderation.

In other words, the pursuit of happiness is not some sort of Bacchanalia or debauchery. It is a struggle to make ourselves better and achieve the lasting joy of self-discipline and achievement, the happiness that has no hangover.