He felt dissatisfied because he could see perfectly well that he couldn't make people happy.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 5, paragraph 1)

Importance: This statement describes Hector's entire purpose for embarking on an around-the-world journey in search of happiness. Though his country of origin is never named, the narrator makes it clear that it is a country of plenty, especially the region in which Hector lives and works. The contrast of his patients having everything material - and sometimes relational - that they could possibly ask for, yet they remain unhappy, is the impetus for Hector's dissatisfaction with his current state. Hector enjoys being a psychiatrist, but he is frustrated that he can't fix people's lives enough that they are happy.

Lesson no. 1: Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.
-- Hector (Chapter 4 paragraph Page 19, paragraph 7)

Importance: Hector keeps track of the happiness lessons he learns throughout his journey by recording them in a notebook. This first lesson is learned when a man named Charles, whom...