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         The purpose of these writings is to make it clear the possession of a strong spiritual belief, whether called theology or religion, making sense, is necessary to achieve the happiness all seek and as seen in the Garden of Eden of the Book of Genesis. Formulation of the Path to this happiness follows.

             Happiness and a strong spiritual belief walk hand in hand with each other mutually in support of each other.

George Washington in his Farewell Address in 1796 wrote of his belief that, “Religion and morality were indispensable…Who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness…(and) indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion…(and) expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Our former president was saying crucial to sustainability are religious principles.

             Human happiness, unattainable in the absence of a strong spiritual being, of a strong spiritual foundation, of which George Washington spoke of, is the goal all, wherever existing in time and place, seek. 

             "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live". (Ecclesiastes 3:12). The Psalms and Beatitudes (e.g., Psalm 37:4, Matthew 5:3–10) link deep happiness to righteousness. 

             In today’s world, it is this foundation that is lacking, causing us to dwell in a spiritual wasteland giving us a state of unhappiness and its companion, loneliness. 

             A recent survey conducted by AARP found 40% of US adults 45 and older report feeling lonely (a percentage hardly limited to this age group) highlighting a growing concern about social isolation. 

             Happiness does not happen by itself. It is a goal demanding a sincere effort using the right means to this end. The means used throughout the world are all over the place, but the goal remains the same. The means to happiness is personal, but the goal of happiness is not. It is universal. But again, man being a spiritual being, fails to achieve happiness in the absence of a strong spiritual being.

           To achieve this foundation, the Four Pillars of Man (the Physical, the Intellectual, the Emotional and the Spiritual) are to be acknowledged and achieved. 

            Material well-being, the Physical Pillar, is necessary for healthy physical and mental well-being, healthy families, and living with a sense of purpose. It is difficult to be intellectually, emotionally and spiritually strong with a weak physical pillar.

          We begin with the Four Pillars of Man, focusing in the next chapter on the Physical Pillar in constructing the foundation necessary for the attainment of a strong spiritual being giving us happiness.

          I close this Introduction with the following prayer, author unknown.

           Lord, I long to know and experience happiness in my life. I’m not talking about shallow pleasures. Those come and go, and the wrong kind leave us empty and unfulfilled. The happiness I desire is so much more than skin deep. It’s bigger than my circumstances and larger than my emotions. I want the kind of happiness that trusts you, obeys you, and follows you regardless of where that path leads.