Not to say that happiness or unhappiness couldn't be personality traits (certainly there are some disorders that are more biological in cause)...but I'm quite certain happiness and unhappiness are "states" not "traits". Anyway, it would be hell to be born with an immutable unhappiness trait...and I have met (and treated) a few chronically unhappy people in my time, but most (if not all) usually had something happen to be unhappy about.

I would argue that a person who is severely depressed is not seeing reality any clearer that an optimistic person...and in fact, would argue that their "reality" is distorted. Sure, a depressed person sees truth too, but from a distinct perspective. I find depression very difficult to work with, because is so damn sure they know what reality is...and they often don't.

Anyway, another world heard from...

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia