Some activities or projects are more worthwhile than others. If we think of life
itself as a project, as something we undertake, then it makes sense to say that our
lives are worthwhile to the extent that we spend our time engaged in worthwhile
activities. Studying history is a more worthwhile activity than watching game
shows on television. Creative work is more worthwhile than repetitive,
assembly-line work. Discussing philosophy is more worthwhile than gossiping.
Moreover, these activities are worthwhile independently of their connection to
happiness. Suppose one person spends her time studying history while another
person spends her time watching television game shows. Then, other things being
equal, the first person has a more worthwhile life, a better life, than the second.
This is true even if the second person is happier. If only happiness matters, then
we would have to say that what makes an activity worthwhile is simply that it is a means to happiness, and that if two activities are equally a means to happiness,
then they are equally worthwhile.