Happiness is transitory, based on individual taste and experience, and must depend on a number of external factors. One who is happy no matter what the external stimuli or context is generally considered a fool.
Peace of mind, on the other hand, is internal, and results from a more complex assessment of positive and negative experiences, both past and present. Most of us are faced with choices that may not result in happiness for anyone, or which will result in happiness for some, and unhappiness for others. Making the best decision possible given the information one has at the moment the decision must be made is the surest road to peace of mind. One cannot reasonably expect more of oneself than that.
It’s not just the end result of being happy or having peace of mind that matters, but the process used to achieve those states of mind.
But always remember, peace of mind comes with happiness. -ck
