Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product.

The line argues that happiness is best understood as an indirect result of living well rather than a target to be chased. It implies that when people orient their lives around meaningful work, ethical commitments, relationships, or service, a sense of happiness tends to “follow” as a secondary effect. Framed this way, the quote critiques self-focused pursuit of pleasure or constant emotional optimization, suggesting those efforts can be counterproductive. It also aligns with a long tradition of moral and philosophical thought (from Aristotle onward) that treats flourishing as an outcome of virtuous activity and purpose, not a commodity to be obtained directly.