I think some of the debate in the comments comes from the idea of happiness as a goal in the future, which is used by the Machine as a carrot on a stick. The pursuit of happiness (often deferred to the afterlife) is sold to us as something dependant upon external factors beyond our control.
Whereas, if I receive your meaning, you're talking about happiness as an ever-present auto-generated possibility we can allow ourselves, not as an end in itself, but as something vital to our health, like nutritious food or some sun on your face each day.
I think some of the debate in the comments comes from the idea of happiness as a goal in the future, which is used by the Machine as a carrot on a stick. The pursuit of happiness (often deferred to the afterlife) is sold to us as something dependant upon external factors beyond our control.
Whereas, if I receive your meaning, you're talking about happiness as an ever-present auto-generated possibility we can allow ourselves, not as an end in itself, but as something vital to our health, like nutritious food or some sun on your face each day.