B. Write a brief summary of the text. Compare your summary with that of your deskmate and see which one can better describe the main idea of the text. (P7)
    This passage is a discussion about the nature or real meaning of happiness. In view of some people’s wrong ideas about happiness, the author maintains that fun and happiness are different and that fun activities cannot bring happiness. He illustrates with examples why many people choose not to do something that will lead to real happiness: They are afraid of pain and therefore prefer painless fun to painful happiness. Then he takes himself for example and argues that difficult things, not fun things, will bring him happiness. Finally, the author stresses the importance of a correct understanding of happiness.



people living in
fun- filled places are happier than others.
fun equals happiness
fun and happiness
are different and fun activities do not bring happiness.



fun and pleasure
equal happiness and pain equals unhappiness.
things that lead to happiness involve some pain.
avoid the painful and difficult endeavors.
they fear pain and are afraid of making
a commitment.
a bachelor who resists marriage and couples
who choose not to have children.
more difficult
endeavors will bring more happiness.



Liberating time and money;
changing our outlook on happiness
as well as our way of life.