"Though it is generally assumed that you need goals to lead a happy life, evidence is mixed. The reason seems to be that unhappy people are more aware of their goals, because they seek to change their life for the better."

But perhaps the most intriguing finding from an array of studies on file at the database is the lack of correlation between seeing meaning in life and being happy.

"Surprisingly I found no correlation," says Professor Veenhoven. Studies suggest leading an active life is the strongest correlate with happiness.

"In order to have a happy life, a rewarding life, you need to be active. So involvement is more important to happiness than meaning in the sense of the why, why we are here."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23097143