James Gunn’s 1954 science-fiction story “The Unhappy Man,” a company known as Hedonics, Inc., uses the new “science of happiness” to improve people’s lives. People sign a contract to move their life into “sensies,” a sort of virtual world where everything is perfect: We take care of everything; we arrange your life so you never have to worry again. In this age of anxiety, you never have to be anxious. In this age of fear, you never need be afraid. You will always be fed, clothed, housed, and happy. You will love and be loved. Life, for you, will be an unmixed joy.
