What is Happiness


"Sir, what is happiness," Cube my butler bot asks me as he serves me my morning toast.

"It is an emotion Cube," I respond simply. This isn't the first time Cube has asked me something about humans. Part of his learning algorithms or whatever they call it.

"Yes, I am aware that it is an emotion. Could you tell what happiness feels like," a second question from Cube. Now that is odd.

"Why would you like to know?"

"I feel that understanding human emotion is an integral part of my job."

"Happiness is a lack of sadness," I say stuffing my mouth full of toast.

"Please elaborate," Cube presses me harder. What has gotten into this bot?

"Happiness is when you're not in need of anything. It's when you know everything will be okay. You're not lonely, and you feel like everything will be okay in the world, even if only for a moment. Nothing matters in that moment, because right then and there is enough," I give him the answer he's looking for.

"Thank you sir," Cube says taking my plate.

I make my way to the living room and load up my favorite television show and settle in for a long weekend of binge watching. I hear cube walk into the room. He doesn't ask any questions, just watches me as if he's waiting on his next command.

"Sir, may I ask you one last question," Cube asks as the first episode ends.

"Sure Cube, one more for the now."

"Are you happy?"

I don't have an answer for Cube. I should be happy. I own a home, have a good job. I'm financially stable. I should be happy for sure but am I happy? I don't know.


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