FROM THE EDITORS April 4, 2005 Issue

HAPPINESS—FINDING THE 'MISSING LINK'

NAME FOUR THINGS that among others are increasingly shown in surveys NOT to be major factors in a person's happiness. Money. Climate. Marriage. Your lot in life.

Name four things that people say Do promote their joy and contentment. Family/friends. Gratitude. Religion. The unconditional love of a pet.

Such are the conclusions drawn from studies like those highlighted earlier this year in TIME magazine's special Mind and Body issue, "The science of happiness" (January 17). But along with those findings, the report notes new, often unanswered questions: Is happiness ultimately a genetic predisposition? Is it really just a matter of seeing the glass half empty instead of half full? Why do some people bounce back from crushing adversity, while others languish in the wake of smaller defeats?

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