Happiness and perception can only occur on an individual level and what makes an individual happy can only be determined by said individual.
This is where we disagree though. You seem to assume that people live in a vacuum, being fully capable of deciding for themselves what affects their emotions and state of mind. In fact, we are heavily influenced by our environment, and the society we develop in. Certainly, the things that make you happy are not at all the things that make an Eskimo happy, nor a man who lived 10,000 years ago. You are conditioned to feel, believe and behave in the manner that you were brought up in. No one can choose what makes them happy, they are conditioned to be happy.
I would like to think I have the ability to think through my emotions. Sure their are triggers in my environment but I still maintain my stasis and control of my actions. I feel I have an adequate amount of control over my perception and happiness. No other man should be obligated to them nor be held accountable for the possible actions that may derive from them for I am in control.
My environment may have shaped me but I owe nothing to it.
...and, believe it or not, I have some say in what makes me happy. I have gone through major depression and near suicide. I have successfully modified my perception. You cannot speak for every individual.
Challenge your assumptions. I think you will be surprised by what you learn.
