"People have a lot of bad theories about happiness." So where do we go wrong? [Daniel] Gilbert, author of the recent book "Stumbling on Happiness," blames our culture, our genes and our imagination. Our culture implores us to buy bigger, newer, better things, but research shows "stuff" does not buy happiness. By and large, money buys happiness only for those who lack the basic needs. Once you pass an income of $50,000, more money doesn't buy much more happiness, Gilbert said... our imaginations fail us, Gilbert said, because when we envision different futures we see either perpetual gloom or happily ever-after scenarios. In fact, neither unhappiness nor joy last as long as we expect... So what makes us happy? In general, the older you get the happier you get -- until you reach very old age... The survey also found: Married people are happier than singles; College grads are happier than those without a college degree; People who were religious are happier than those who aren't; Sunbelt residents are happier than other U.S. residents; Republicans are happier than Democrats -- but both are happier than independents. [The survey was taken before November 7, no doubt. :) ] (Full story here)