"I think it can be argued that the pursuit of happiness is the real cause of sadness." - that's a very interesting idea to meditate on. I think it is true- but

"I think it can be argued that the pursuit of happiness is the real cause of sadness." - that's a very interesting idea to meditate on. I think it is true- but specifically when we limit happiness to very low forms of it (cheesecake, casual sex, meaningless gratifications, etc.) That's not a small point - it's very true when we're talking about that, and I believe it is the type of happiness that is pursued with the most energy, most of the time. However - if we re-frame happiness to some other definition, say the happiness one finds in keeping a home sanitary, or helping a friend, or building something useful, then I think it has the opposite effect. e.g. the happiness that comes from learning something new that improves the lives of you and those around you, is not the same as that which comes from getting drunk. Pursuing the first will not lead to sadness, but pursuing the latter will.