Depends upon your definitions of “happiness” and “reality”. Interesting how you can enjoy the subject essay and deny the reality of happiness and joy. I sense a certain possible cognitive dissonance. That is NOT a criticism but in honor of your honest inquiry. I’d like to know who these empiricists were and the nature of their magic “sensitive scale” that is expected to respond to “impersonal smiles”. That is a meaningless “test” upon which to judge the reality of happiness and joy.