I agree that chasing 'happiness' through external gratification is fleeting at best. Our culture of consumption promotes it and encourages it. But it is by nature illusory and participating in this behavior just begets more consumption in order to capture that very minute feeling of satisfaction. I have a 17 yr old daughter so I watch this behavior in action pretty regularly....I tell her to try sitting for 30 minutes simply wanting nothing. Having the feeling that she doesn't 'need' anything. Advertising and social media are the worst...bombarding us with all the stuff, food, and drink we just gotta have!
I can feel peace however. Peace for me comes with knowing that everything is as it should be.