Happiness Is a Serious Problem | Dennis Prager's Original Lecture

Podcasts > Timeless Wisdom with Dennis Prager

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Monday, November 2, 2026

Rediscovered from the archives, this special episode of Timeless Wisdom features Dennis Prager’s original 1987 lecture, “Happiness Is a Serious Problem,” recorded at Chabad of UCLA. Decades before the book of the same name, Dennis explored why happiness can be so difficult to achieve and why so many people struggle to find lasting contentment.

In this thought-provoking lecture, Dennis identifies six obstacles to happiness, including our own nature, the mistake of pursuing happiness directly, confusing fun with fulfillment, expecting life to be free of pain, and a culture that encourages dissatisfaction. He explains why happiness is not simply the absence of suffering or the presence of pleasure, but something deeper that requires perspective, appreciation, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to values beyond ourselves.

Dennis also reflects on the importance of religion, community, history, and our connection to something greater than ourselves. Through humor, personal stories, and enduring insights, he challenges listeners to reconsider what happiness really means and how we can build lives marked by greater purpose and inner peace.

To get the physical CD or download, tap the link below: https://freedomandfaithstore.com/products/happiness-is-a-serious-problem-the-original-1987-lecture-at-ucla

Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timeless-wisdom-with-dennis-prager/id1517302239

Learn more about Dennis Prager: https://pragertopia.com/

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