Philip Johnson says he is sympathetic to Andan's views on happiness. He thinks a lot of research into the subject is flimflam and based on shoddily done studies. But there are some wonderful researchers in that area, i think they're brilliant scholars. The field hasn't improved much over the last 20 years but it has become more careful about distinguishing things like well being from fulfilment.
Author and psychologist Paul Bloom of the University of Toronto talks about his book, The Sweet Spot, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Bloom argues that suffering is underrated--suffering is part of happiness and meaning. This is a wide-ranging discussion of popular culture, religion, and what we hope to get out of life.