I think the best way I can sum my thoughts on that is that "it has to."

The drive of someday finding it for myself was what drove me to keep going even during the toughest times of my life. In that regard, I've never been able to settle for 'just pretending'. What definition and shape that happiness takes is going to be different, personal experience for everyone, and I don't pretend to know how others feel about it.

Whether everyone can reach what they consider to be genuine happiness is another thing, and I can only wish them the best.