If the achievement of happiness is an individual’s highest moral purpose, is “deep brain stimulation” a legitimate means of achieving such happiness? And a related question: Is happiness simply an emotional state, or does it require accomplishing one or more productive goals?

Ayn Rand said, “Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s values.” (Galt’s speech.) Will this still hold true when people are able to employ technology to “fine tune” their emotional state directly?