The pursuit of happiness is so important to American ideals that it has been enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. But a new book, The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters , argues that finding meaning in life is ultimately more satisfying than searching for happiness. Author Emily Esfahani Smith says one can find meaning even in tough circumstances to give you a reason to live, whereas a pursuit of happiness focused on satisfying your every whim can still lead to emptiness. Smith, a columnist for The New Criterion and editor at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, joined the Knowledge at Wharton show on SiriusXM’s channel 111 to talk about her book.   An edited transcript of the conversation follows. Knowledge at Wharton: What got you thinking down this path? Most people want to do everything they can to be happy. Emily Esfahani Smith: I certainly thought that myself as I was growing up.…