Men and women throughout history have pursued happiness more consistently than any other goal, but what they conceived happiness to be has constantly changed. Once it was considered a gift from the gods; now we consider it a right. How did these changes take place and what do they tell us about our society and ourselves? In The Pursuit of Happiness, cultural historian Darrin McMahon offers a brilliant summation of the history of happiness and its evolution from divine gift to natural human entitlement.