I am not sure what makes happiness. I don't think you need some of the above list to make you feel happy. I agree with Robyn that happiness mainly depends on personal situation and attitude. But I suggest you to think in another angle, what makes people not happy or sad?

Buddha listed three main reasons for sadness and regretness:

Things you long for but can not get.

Things you lost.

And, departure of your lover.

Think about Buddha's list, do you agree?

Robyn Terri wrote:

The writer made a statement then added this sentence, 'Vociferous proponents thereof to the contrary notwithstanding,' I looked all the words up in the dictionary and the best translation I can come up with is; 'Dispite the fact that there are loud and pationate holders of the opposite view.'

Hello Robyn, hello Roro

I too had often noticed Robyn's signature, with a kind of passing inner emoticon, and had assumed it meant what Robyn says it means; but now I am struck by a doubt.

If it means 'Despite the fact that there are loud and passionate holders of the opposite view', should it not be: 

1. Vociferous proponents of the contrary thereof notwithstanding

– ?

(Sorry, I'm off topic. Hastily veering back in lane: 'What makes for happiness? Numerous small adjustments'.)

MrP

Hello, Roro. Since we are discussing, it is alway nice to have different view points.

I am not a monk though I admire Buddha. Of course Buddha is not a material person, for he is a real saint.

Buddha listed these reasons for human beings, not for himself. I learn it from a small story. People come to Buddha asking for help, because they think their lives are not so good, they want a better life, say, more money, more power, more jewelry. Those people feel painful, sad, regret for what they do not have, for what they have lost, for they have to leave their lovers. While Buddha, with his great wisdom, told them how to deal with those pains. It is the attitude towards those things outside your own body and mind makes people feel sad and painful instead of the things themselves. We must learn how to give up some certain things in our life, not try to clench everything in our fists. We must look throught the mist of this material world and find out the real meaning of human lives.

This can explains why some millionaires are unhappy because they think they need more money, while some poverties are more happy because they feel content and satisified with their life. And some people will never stop chasing for power but they never feel happy.  People always feel that "the things I do not have may be the best".