Is It True that Happiness Can Only Be Found from Within?

If so, why do many external things seem to make us happy?

The sources of happiness can be found within or without, but all sources of happiness from without have to go through our internal process (perception, emotional reaction) to be felt as happiness, because happiness is an internal emotional experience.

So sources of happiness, or the opposite, unhappiness, from without, such as societal conditions and culture, financial situations, other circumstances or people, are indirect sources even when they make a difference in our happiness. They influence our happiness largely through how we perceive them and respond to them emotionally and in actions.

Happiness found from within, such as inner peace, gratitude, forgiveness, love, appreciation, are direct sources of happiness.

So yes, in this sense, you can say happiness can only be found within. Even the outside sources are there, if your perceptions and reactions to them are not conducive to your happiness, you will not find happiness in them.