He is often arguing that, despite the fact that modern technology has made life simpler for Americans, the majority of them are still dissatisfied. The fact that such publications are in high demand indicates that they aren't functioning." Self-help books, according to McMahon, are ineffective. "And yet, as last year and next year, the self-help business will flood out books promising to make us happier than we are now," he continues. Happiness is a function of the will, not of external forces. The very demand for such books is a strong indication that they aren't working†(McMahon). McMahon is claiming that our level of happiness has remained constant throughout time, despite the fact that the quality of living in America has improved. And yet, this January, like last year and next, the self-help industry will pour forth books promising to make us happier than we are today. He gives statistics that prove it by saying, “Sociologists like to point out that the percentage of those describing themselves as "happy" or "very happy" has remained virtually unchanged in Europe and the United States since such surveys were first conducted in the 1950's. McMahon, on the other hand, is encouraging Americans to seek dissatisfaction. Readers may be confused by the title, which seems to contradict the whole text, which focuses on obtaining actual happiness. ĭue to the wording and expression, "In Pursuit of Unhappiness" may be a perplexing article for some.
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