Pursuing gratification

In the 1960s a group of four-year olds were tested by being given a marshmallow and promised another, only if they could wait 20 minutes before eating the first one. Some children could wait and others could not. The researchers then followed the progress of each child into adolescence, and demonstrated that those with the ability to wait were better adjusted and more dependable.

Had read this in the book by Daniel Goleman - years ago in which he spoke about deferred gratification, which is defined as "the ability to wait in order to obtain something that one wants".

It sounds pretty simple and straight forward, but would mankind warm up to this idea? Most of us have poor impulse control and dont have the required patience to grow with an experience.

Watched the movie - The Pursuit Of Happyness recently.

To me, it was just the title which provoked my thoughts more than anything else. No, am not talking about the "y" in happyness...!

Happiness is quite often compared to a butterfly and its a fascinating thought that someone would embark on a quest to catch that butterfly..

Happiness is also referred to as something which a person carries within himself and should one pursue it outside?

Leaving aside all these the cliche'd definitions of happiness, I would think its a quest for something to do, something to hope for.

Now think about the characters in the movie and the terms - instant gratification and deferred gratification. You would know what I am talking about...

Pursuing higher education, pursuing perfection, pursuing excellence...
Probably, we should consider "The Pursuit of Happiness" along the same lines...though it need not necessarily lead one to contentment, to happiness.

Or, am I wrong?