The ten things we think will make us happier, but don't:

1-To become rich, powerful and famous 

2-To treat the universe as if it was a mail order catalogue for our desires and fancies 

3-To yearn for the “freedom” to do everything that comes into your mind. (This is not freedom, but being the slave of your own thoughts).

4-To constantly seek pleasant sensations, one after the other (Pleasurable sensations soon become dull, and often become unpleasant).

5-To maliciously take revenge on someone who has hurt you. (Doing so, you become as mean as them and you poison your own mind.)

6-“It I had all that, I will surely be happy,” or “If I don’t have that, I can’t be happy.” (Such predictions usually don’t turn out to be true.)

7-To always be praised and never face criticism. (This will never help you to progress.)

8-To vanquish all you enemies. (Animosity never brings happiness.)

9-To never face adversity. (This will make you weak and vulnerable.)

10-To put all your efforts into taking care of just yourself. (Altruistic love and compassion are the roots of genuine happiness.)

~Matthieu Ricard, Buddhist monk, an author, translator, and photographer