HAPPINESS. 



BY RICHARD KIRWAN, ESQ. L. L. D. P. R. I. A. F. R. S. &c. 



o oorxxncy-' 



CHAP. I. 



Dejinitions and general Observations. 



READ KOVEMI»ER, 13th, 1809. 



1. Happiness, strictly understood, denotes that state in 

 which pleasure is unceasingly perceived unmixed with pain, 

 as Miser}' is that state in which pain is durably suifered un- 

 mixed with pleasure. 



It is distinguished from pleasure only by the utter exclu- 

 sion of pain, with which mere pleasure is frequently accom- 

 panied, preceded, or followed. Pleasure is applicable only to 

 perceptions, but happiness is attributable only to states, or 

 to such individuals on whom those perceptions are impressed 

 uninterrupted by pain. 



2. Happiness is susceptible of various degrees, according 

 to the number, intensity, duration and complexity of the plea- 



B 2 sures 



