Good read. I would say "chasing fulfillment" is not the right way to go about it. Happiness, enjoyment, pleasure, come and go. To think that we should constantly be in such a state is folly. Being fixed, static, in some absolute polar state of feeling is not what should be sought after. The chase for a particular state of feeling, is the wrong way, that is attachment and a root cause of suffering in life. But instead let it come with a higher purpose in life.

Indeed to find "meaningful" pursuits in life is more appropriate. For myself, the pursuit, purpose, goal, and meaningfulness of truth, and specifically moral truth, is what does it for me. The pursuit of truth and greater deeper understanding of moral truth takes time, effort, energy, dedication, determination, persistence and perseverance, but is it ever worth it!

Truth doesn't seem to be highly valued capital for most people, but I have found truth, and more specifically moral truth, to be the most valuable capital in the world for determining and creating a higher quality of life for ourselves and everyone else!

Life is HARD WORK. It takes effort to live and thrive. Don't give up, keep striving for greater heights, keep climbing the mountain of truth, go all the way, don't be a half-wayer that thinks they know enough to get by or and stop seeking/learning. Truth rewards those that love and care to seek it!

"There are only two mistakes one can make on the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting."
~ Unknown (not Buddah)

Also, "smart" people that can see the ills of the world (corruption, evil, immorality) will be affected by it to a greater degree than the usual person who ignores deeper investigation into reality and focuses on being happy and getting along with others. Truth divides from falsity, and when you live in a false society and insanity all around, it can be hard to just ignore it all and "get along" with everyone who chooses to continue to ignore it all.