The Morality and Legality of a Hypothetical Harmless Narcotic for Indefinite Happiness

If a hypothetical harmless narcotic drug could provide anyone who consumes it with ultimate happiness, should it be made illegal and why?

Constitutional Rights and Personal Freedom

To argue that the use of such a drug would be protected under constitutional rights, emphasizing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is only partially valid. The right to seek happiness does imply the freedom of choice in this context. However, the overarching right to life itself is more compelling, suggesting that a state might have the responsibility to ensure that its citizens are not coerced into taking such a drug.

The better question, then, becomes: ‘Can it be made required to take it?’ If one believes that being happy is a fundamental human right, then not taking the drug might be seen as a form of self-harm, which raises ethical questions about personal autonomy versus societal well-being.

What Is True Happiness?

The nature of happiness is often romanticized as a blissful feeling—perfect relationships and a world at peace. While these are aspects that contribute to well-being, they are fleeting momentary states.

Whatever momentary pleasure one can achieve through a drug or any other means can only bring about temporary satisfaction, never a lasting sense of well-being. Real, sustained happiness is not merely a mask for a difficult reality but a fundamental state of being. Struggling, however, is not necessarily negative—it can provide the drive for personal growth and achievement.

The Default State of Being

The nature of life often forces us to confront our internal struggles repeatedly, prompting us to find the courage to accept our true selves. True happiness is not about escaping reality, but about embracing it and finding contentment within it.

Without a doubt, the law should allow for the freedom to choose, only if society has sufficient knowledge to understand the long-term impacts of such drugs. However, introducing a state-sanctioned pathway to happiness through medication could undermine the intrinsic value of personal growth and the ability to handle life's challenges.

Personal Criteria for Happiness

It is important to acknowledge that people have different criteria for their personal happiness. Some see it in the form of a safe, predictable, and comfortable existence, while others derive it from the pursuit of accomplishments, even through difficult and challenging experiences.

A pill that would dull one into a more comfortable state might be seen as a relief for some, while for others, it might seem like a hindrance to personal growth and achievement. In a society where individual autonomy is valued, a blanket solution might not be ideal. Instead, fostering environments that support both comfort and challenge could lead to a more holistic understanding of well-being.

The ultimate goal should be to empower individuals to find their path to happiness, with the state playing a supportive role rather than a coercive one. The correct approach is to promote education, awareness, and the ability to make informed choices, rather than pushing a single solution for all.