Does happiness come from within -- or from outside?

You've heard some people say that happiness comes from within, but others claim that true happiness can only be derived from interacting with others -- in other words, from the outside.

So which one is it?

It depends in part on whether you're oriented inwards or outwards. Since I am what you would call an introvert, I fall into the former group. I don't need to be in the presence of others to feel fulfilled. In fact, I find nonhuman objects -- like animals and books -- to usually be more interesting.

Of course, we're human beings and still require some level of social contact. For me, my wife, family, a couple of friends, and my internet friends (on Google +, forums, and elsewhere) more than suffice.

I derive more happiness from helping people in need than from simply chit chatting with them about superficial things.

When people say "happiness comes from within," I really think they should be saying "happiness starts from within." Unless we're happy with ourselves, we can't exactly derive happiness from others. That's why people who suffer from depression or self-esteem issues can be impervious to outside help.

Do you think that happiness comes from within?

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