Exploring the Meaning of 'Happyness' in 'The Pursuit of Happyness'

While watching the film The Pursuit of Happyness, we come across an intriguing and often misinterpreted scene where the main character, Chris Gardner, reflects on the declaration of independence speech.

Misspelling and Historical Context

The word 'Happyness' appears in this scene, often misinterpreted and sometimes even graffiti in the film. This misspelling is actually taken from an essay written in 1776. The essay, penned by Lemuel Haynes, a biracial man living in New England during the Revolutionary period, argues for the equality of whites and blacks.

The essay references Thomas Jefferson's well-known sentence from the United States Declaration of Independence but alters the spelling of the last word to 'Happyness.' The essay reads as follows:

One that was similarly spelling is:

Here, the use of 'Happyness' instead of 'Happiness' is deliberate, adding a layer of complexity to the phrase. Chris Gardner, the main character, is captured in a scene where he uses this phrase during the film's climax.

The Meaning Behind 'Happyness'

Chris Gardner interprets 'Happyness' in a deeply personal and reflective way. He suggests that the word 'Happiness' implies a state where one can find oneself constantly content and fortunate, while 'Happyness' represents the pursuit or effort one needs to make to achieve that state.

Gardner explains: What I meant by it is, no matter what challenges I would face in this world, my son would always be happy, contented, fortunate, no matter what, no matter what the situation was.

This interpretation implies that happiness, as conventionally defined, is not a static or guaranteed state but rather a dynamic pursuit that we continuously engage in. For Gardner, 'Happyness' signifies his dedication to ensuring that his son always finds contentment and fortune despite the challenges they faced.

Reflections on the Declaration of Independence

Chris Gardner's reflections on the Declaration of Independence and the phrase 'pursuit of happiness' add a profound depth to the theme of the film. He questions why Thomas Jefferson included the word 'pursuit':

It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking, how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? Maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and may never actually have, no matter what. How did he know that?

Gardner's reflections on Jefferson's words highlight the struggle to find contentment and joy in life, despite facing numerous obstacles. The inclusion of 'pursuit' in the Declaration of Independence underscores the idea that happiness is not a guaranteed state but a lifelong quest that we must actively pursue.

Conclusion and Significance

Understanding the significance of the misspelling 'Happyness' offers a unique perspective on the film's themes and the broader implications of the Declaration of Independence. It encourages viewers to reflect on the quest for contentment and happiness in their own lives, while acknowledging the challenges that may arise along the way.

The Pursuit of Happyness, with its deep insights and poignant dialogue, challenges us to consider the nature of happiness itself and our individual journeys towards it.