The Declaration of Independence promises “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Of course, blandishments about happiness meant little to enslaved persons or the Indigenous. And there were others for whom happiness was inconceivable at the time. We are quick to identify those shortcomings today, pointing out where the founders, for all their farsightedness, were blind. Yet, even as many have worked hard to extend rights more broadly and raise expectations along the way, we have lost sight of some essential aspects of happiness that the founders clearly had in mind. It’s worth thinking about how the founders conceived of happiness—and how best to find it for yourself. In many ways, Americans have been wrestling with that conception ever since the Declaration was signed. Read more about the history of happiness in America at the link in our bio. Illustration by @giuliobonasera for TIME