Joy, rather than happiness, is the goal of life, for joy is the emotion which accompanies our fulfilling our natures as human beings. It is based on the experience of one’s identity as a being of worth and dignity.

In May’s existential-humanistic psychology, “happiness” can suggest a passive, comfort-based state dependent on external conditions, while “joy” names a deeper affect that arises when a person actively realizes their human capacities—freedom, responsibility, courage, and authenticity. The quote links joy to “fulfilling our natures,” implying that well-being is not merely feeling good but becoming fully oneself through meaningful engagement with life’s demands. By grounding joy in the experience of one’s “worth and dignity,” May emphasizes self-respect and identity: joy accompanies moments when a person recognizes their intrinsic value and lives in accordance with it, even amid anxiety or struggle.