The Ramban and Ramchal teach us that the pursuit of physical pleasure is not the essence of man since man is a spiritual being. Why do so many people define "happiness" as the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures? Man fools himself & believes that money, honor, and physical gratification will bring him satisfaction. Mesilat Yesharim argues that life in this world is a chain of navigations through an obstacle course; man suffers from devastating diseases such as Alzheimer's. HaRav Dessler teaches that we must set our priorities straight & break out of a world of illusions. Life is not about winning the admiration & recognition of others. We must be worthy of life in the world to come and be dedicated servants to HaShem. The goal is sanctity!